Rudbeckia 'Denver Daisy' is a bold fast growing cultivar known for its oversized daisy like blooms with golden yellow petals and dramatic deep maroon centers. Developed to commemorate the city of Denver’s 150th anniversary, this annual or short lived perennial shines in mass plantings, pollinator gardens, and containers with high visual impact from midsummer through fall.
Height & Spread: 18 - 36 in x 12 - 18 in
Bloom Time: Mid summer to early fall
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Average to well drained soil; tolerant of clay and sandy conditions
Watering Needs: Moderate; drought tolerant once established
Deer Resistance: Generally deer resistant due to coarse foliage and hairy stems
Native Status
This cultivar is derived from the native Rudbeckia hirta species which is widely distributed across North America. While bred for ornamental use, it retains many of the pollinator friendly traits of its wild ancestors.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Bees
- Highly attractive to native bees such as bumblebees and sweat bees, which forage on its ample pollen.
Butterflies
- Provides abundant nectar for butterflies including Painted Ladies, Sulphurs, and Red Admirals throughout the blooming season.
Birds
- Seed heads left standing in fall offer food for goldfinches and sparrows, and contribute to winter habitat value.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Space 12 - 18 inches apart to allow for full flowering clumps and airflow between plants.
Landscape Placement:
- Perfect for sunny borders, wildlife gardens, and roadside plantings where its cheerful flowers provide summer long performance.
Companion Plants
- Perovskia atriplicifolia (Russian Sage) - Tall, airy blue flower spikes cool down the hot hues of Rudbeckia and bloom in tandem.
- Gaillardia aristata 'Arizona Sun' - Bicolored red and yellow blooms create a warm, sunset toned palette with Rudbeckia.
- Achillea millefolium 'Terra Cotta' - Muted salmon orange umbels soften the bold color contrasts and provide a pollinator landing pad.
- Coreopsis verticillata 'Zagreb' - Compact, golden yellow blooms enhance the daisy tones while filling the lower space.
- Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' - Rich purple spires create vertical interest and attract pollinators through summer.