Rudbeckia hirta 'Chocolate Orange' is a biennial or short-lived perennial, usually grown as an annual, boasting large chocolate-mahogany flowers, up to 4 in. wide (10 cm), adorned with beautifully contrasting orange tips. Blooming profusely from mid-summer to frost, they provide weeks of eye-catching color. The flowers are produced in such quantities that they almost cover the bushy dark green foliage. An outstanding cut flower, its seed heads have good winter interest unless they are used in dried arrangements.

• Grows in upright clumps up to 24-30 in. tall (60-90 cm) and wide 18-24 in. wide (45-60 cm). May self-seed and remain in the garden.
• Thrives in full sun in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Drought tolerant once established.
• Ridiculously easy to grow and largely trouble-free, this rudbeckia is a great candidate for mixed borders, cutting gardens, or as an accent plant when planted in mass.
• Deer-resistant, the flowers are attractive to pollinating insects, butterflies, and birds.
• Remove and discard spent flowers to encourage extended blooming and prevent unwanted seedlings next season.
• Easily propagated by seed.
• Rudbeckia hirta is native to Eastern and Central North America.