Rudbeckia hirta 'Cherry Brandy' is a cultivar with red to maroon blooms surrounding dark center cones. Plants will reach up to 24" tall and 16" wide. The flowers bloom continuously from mid-summer into fall. Blooms best with mulching and rich soil. The flowers are on sturdy stems which makes them excellent cut flowers. Cherry Brandy is a perennial that blooms in its first year, but may be treated as an annual. 

No serious insect or disease problems, but the leaves are susceptible to powdery mildew in humid weather. Deer tend to avoid this plant.

Water Use: Light to medium

Light Requirement: Sun

Soil Moisture: Damp

Soil type: Loam, tolerates clay with adequate drainage

Soil pH: 6-8

Drought Tolerance: Moderate to low

Perennial

Special attributes: Attracts beneficial insects, bee plant, and deer resistant. Attracts graniverous birds in fall.