The author of the text is Katarzyna Pruchniewicz
Both plants come from North America. The genus Rudbeckia includes about 15 species. In Poland, there are only two species in the natural environment: Rudbeckia laciniata naked and Rudbeckia hirta.These are the so-called agriophytes, i.e. plants of foreign origin that managed to settle in a natural, alien habitat.
Currently, several species of rudbeckia are cultivated in Poland: the most popular, dense clumps, Rudbeckia fulgida, shiny Rudbeckia nitida, forming less impressive clumps, Rudbeckia speciosa, and the one-year-old Rudbeckia hirta.
The genus Echinacea is less numerous as it has 9 species. Three species are cultivated in Poland: Echinacea Echinacea pallida with narrow, drooping petals of the Lingula flowers, the most popular Echinacea Echinacea purpurea and Echinacea Echinacea angustifolia, closely related to Echinacea angustifolia, but with narrower leaves.
Rudbeckies are annual, biennial or perennial plants that grow successfully for over a dozen years on one site. Echinacea, on the other hand, are short-lived perennials that successfully develop over 3-4 seasons.There are many similarities in terms of their habitat.They are clump-forming plants with raised, stiff stems. Depending on the species, rudbecks reach a height of several dozen centimeters to 2 meters, while the echinacea can grow up to 150 centimeters.
Despite their considerable size, they do not tend to lie down and do not require the use of supports.The leaves are single, ovate-lanceolate, alternate, usually dark green. Some species have hairy stems and leaves.The inflorescence is a basket consisting of large marginal lingual flowers in bright colors.There are small tubular flowers inside. The colors of Rudbeckia and Echinacea inflorescences are varied.
Flowering and requirements of Echinacea and Rudbeckia
Both Rudbeckia and Echinacea are flowers of high summer and bloom until the first autumn frosts. First, in July, rudbeckia are in bloom, and in August, they are joined by echinacea.Rudbeckia and Echinacea prefer sunny and warm locations.Less sunny locations tolerate Echinacea better. They do not have excessive soil requirements. They thrive best in moist and fertile soil.During periodic summer droughts they bloom much less, then they should be watered abundantly.
Echinacea has greater nutritional requirements. It is therefore advantageous to mix the soil with the compost before planting. In spring and early summer, plants should be fed with fertilizer for flowering plants several times. Both Rudbeckia and Echinacea have a long flowering period.Systematic removal of faded inflorescences mobilizes plants to form new buds, thanks to which flowering extends significantly.Rudbeckia are fully frost-resistant, while echinacea should be covered with leaves or twigs in autumn.
