Rudbeckia, Cherry Brandy

Cherry Brandy Rudbeckia (Rudbeckia hirta 'Cherry Brandy')

Cherry Brandy is a rare and dramatic cultivar of Rudbeckia hirta, known for its rich, velvety red petals—unusual for a typically golden-yellow genus. This annual or short-lived perennial offers deep cherry, maroon, and crimson blooms with a dark chocolate-brown center, adding bold color and texture to gardens, cut flower beds, and pollinator habitats. With a long bloom period and adaptability to tough garden conditions, Cherry Brandy combines ornamental elegance with ecological function.

Key Characteristics

• Unique Deep Red Blooms for Bold Garden Color
  Cherry Brandy produces 3–4 inch daisy-like flowers in deep wine, cherry, and burgundy shades. These stunning flowers bloom June through September, creating a long season of color that stands out in mixed beds and naturalistic designs.

• Excellent Pollinator Support and Seed Head Habitat
  The dark centers provide nectar and pollen for bees and butterflies during the summer months, and the maturing seed heads attract goldfinches and other songbirds. A great addition to succession plantings for pollinator support.

• Perfect for Cut Flowers and Bouquets
  Long, sturdy stems and the saturated jewel-toned blooms make Cherry Brandy a florist favorite. It pairs beautifully with grasses, zinnias, and sunflowers in bouquets and dries well for ornamental use.

• Thrives in Tough Garden Conditions
  Like its native cousins, Cherry Brandy is tolerant of heat, drought, and poor soils once established. It performs best in full sun with well-drained soil and will reseed under favorable conditions.

• Compact Growth for Beds, Borders, and Containers
  With a height of 18–24 inches, this Rudbeckia fits easily into small-space gardens, pollinator strips, and containers. Its bushy habit and repeat blooming also make it useful for edging paths and beds.

Product Details

• Native range: Cultivar of Rudbeckia hirta, native to North America

• Plant life cycle: Annual or short-lived perennial

• Sun requirements: Full sun

• Soil requirements: Medium to dry, well-drained soils

• Mature height: 18–24 inches

• Bloom time: June–September

• Bloom color: Deep cherry-red to maroon petals with dark centers

• USDA Hardiness zones: 5–9

Cherry Brandy brings an unexpected elegance to native plant palettes—combining deep color, extended bloom, and ecological value in one compact, easy-to-grow package. Perfect for gardens that blend bold style with pollinator support.