Feather-leaved rudbeckia

• Perennial
• Decorative
• Blooms: August–October.
• A favorite of pollinators

The feathery rudbeckia is a tall and easily recognizable flower that came to European gardens from North America. In Eastern Aukštaitija and some other areas of Lithuania, these flowers were called "winter dahlias". It grows naturally in wetter meadows, river valleys and forest edges. In the 18th century, when new ornamental plants from the New World began to be brought to Europe, rudbeckias quickly spread to manor gardens, and later reached the nurseries of towns and rural homesteads.

In manor gardens, pinnate-leaved rudbeckias were usually grown at the edges or at the end of flower beds, where their tall stems could freely rise. Rudbeckias bloom in late summer and early autumn, when many other flowers have already finished blooming. The bright yellow flowers provided color and vitality to the gardens at a time when the summer flower beds were already starting to fade.

Rudbeckias also quickly took root in rural nurseries. They usually bloomed near fences, the wall of a house or at the back of the nursery, where the tall stems were clearly visible from afar. The bright yellow flowers gave the homestead environment liveliness and warmth even as summer drew to a close. Due to their resistance and undemanding nature, rudbeckias were perfect for traditional nurseries, where long-flowering and easy-to-care-for plants were valued.

Rudbeckias were also popular in urban areas. They grew in flower beds near residential buildings, schools, or other buildings. Due to their bright color and long flowering period, rudbeckias were often used in decorative compositions, and at the end of summer they were picked for bouquets.

In Eastern Aukštaitija, the feathery-leaved rudbeckia was one of the more common taller flowers in nurseries. It often grew together with pillar roses, phloxes, or fireweed. Strong rhizomes allowed rudbeckias to spread rapidly and form lush thickets, so over time they became a common part of the environment of old homesteads.

Today, the feathery rudbeckia is still grown in gardens and flower beds, although it is sometimes considered an old-fashioned flower. However, in the revival of traditional nurseries, it is again valued for its long flowering, hardiness and bright yellow flowers, reminiscent of the colors of late summer farmhouse nurseries.