Rudbeckia hirta 'Cherry Brandy'

Cherry Brandy Gloriosa Daisy (Rudbeckia hirta ‘Cherry Brandy’) fills the garden with masses of rich, velvety red blooms from summer through fall. This exceptionally floriferous variety produces large flowers (up to 10 cm across) with cherry red tips, deepening to dark maroon at the base and accented by a bold, dark chocolate central cone.

While Black-Eyed Susans are typically short-lived perennials lasting only a few years, 'Cherry Brandy’ Black-eyed Susan sustains its presence by self-seeding freely in the garden and returning true to type, ensuring continued colour year after year.

Strong, upright stems reach up to 60 cm (2 ft) tall, holding the bold blooms high above deep green, narrow lance-shaped leaves with a slightly hairy, course texture. Its sturdy stems and vibrant colour make it an exceptional cut flower, bringing long-lasting beauty indoors.

With its compact habit and tidy 45 cm (1.5 ft) spread, Cherry Brandy Gloriosa Daisy is well suited for containers, smaller garden spaces, borders, and foundation plantings. It is particularly impressive in groups or mass plantings and adds bold character to wild or naturalized gardens. The brilliant blooms are irresistible to bees and butterflies, making it a must-have for pollinator gardens. Deadheading isn’t required to prolong flowering, but leaving the final blooms in place adds winter interest and provides valuable food for birds.

Cherry Brandy Black-Eyed Susan tolerates heat, drought, and a wide range of soil conditions, provided the site is not wet or poorly drained. Plant Rudbeckia hirta ‘Cherry Brandy’ in full sun where it will thrive and where its dramatic colouring can be fully appreciated.

Hardy to zone 4a (-34°C), this low-maintenance cultivar is also salt tolerant and deer resistant. For a vibrant contrast, pair it with a yellow-blooming Rudbeckia such as ‘American Gold Rush’ to create a cheerful, high-impact display that carries beautifully from summer into fall.