{"product_id":"rudbeckia-marmalade","title":"Rudbeckia Marmalade","description":"\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRudbeckia hirta 'Marmalade'\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eDwarf Black-Eyed Susan 'Marmalade'\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThe compact container champion — large rich golden-orange daisy flowers with dark brown-to-black eyes on a compact 45cm bushy mound, blooming July to November (often into December in mild gardens). Weather-resistant thick waxy petals that don't turn to mush after heavy rain, exceptional pollinator value, and one of the very longest-flowering plants you can grow from a single packet of seed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThis is the compact container-specialist Black-Eyed Susan that has been earning its place in British garden centres and catalogue listings for decades. At 45cm — significantly shorter than the 60–90cm of 'Autumn Forest' or taller Rudbeckia varieties — 'Marmalade' fits the front-of-border and container positions that taller varieties cannot fill while providing the same generous long-lasting floral display. The large daisy flowers in rich golden-orange with the characteristic dark brown-to-black central eye provide immediate warm confident colour that reads clearly from a distance and glows beautifully in afternoon sun. \u003cstrong\u003eWeather-resistant thick waxy petals\u003c\/strong\u003e — meaning they don't turn to mush after heavy rain like Petunias do. This is a real and practical distinction in the UK garden, where mid-summer downpours are a reliable feature. Half-hardy annual or short-lived perennial. \u003cstrong\u003eRHS Plants for Pollinators\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA note on growing\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eSurface-sow indoors February–April at 18–22°C. Light required for germination. Germination 10–21 days. Seedlings grow slowly initially — patience is required (10–14 weeks from indoor February sowing to first flowers in July). Pot on into individual modules when 2–3 true leaves appear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003ePlant out in \u003cstrong\u003eJune\u003c\/strong\u003e in rich moisture-retentive soil. Like 'Autumn Forest', 'Marmalade' demands \u003cstrong\u003erich fed conditions\u003c\/strong\u003e — completely opposite to Cosmos and many other late-summer plants. Add plenty of compost to the planting position. \u003cstrong\u003eProtect young seedlings from slugs\u003c\/strong\u003e for 2–3 weeks after planting out.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCritical container care\u003c\/strong\u003e: Marmalade is one of the \u003cstrong\u003ethirstier\u003c\/strong\u003e Rudbeckia varieties — in a container in full sun in July–August, \u003cstrong\u003edaily watering is necessary\u003c\/strong\u003e to prevent wilting and flowering interruption. \u003cstrong\u003eWeekly liquid tomato feed\u003c\/strong\u003e from July through September maintains the generous flower production. \u003cstrong\u003eDeadhead every spent flower\u003c\/strong\u003e to maintain continuous flowering through to November.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere it shines\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eIn containers and large terracotta pots — this is the variety the gardening magazines feature for autumn pot display. The rich golden-orange in a terracotta pot is a combination that has been on autumn gardening magazine covers for decades, and with good reason: the warm burnt-orange reads perfectly against the earthy terracotta background. At the front of cottage borders providing reliable warm colour from July to November. In small space gardens where height is limited. As a \u003cstrong\u003eslug-resistant\u003c\/strong\u003e alternative to summer bedding (once established, the hairy leaves deter slugs). As cut flowers — the long vase life and bold colour suit autumn warm arrangements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlant alongside\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThe classical purple-and-gold cottage scheme: pair 'Marmalade' with purple Salvia (if stocked) for the timeless designer cottage colour partnership — this combination has been featured in gardening media for generations. For warm cottage borders, combine with Calendula 'Touch of Red' (matching warm autumnal tones) and Cosmos 'Apricotta' (matching apricot-peach softness). For container partnerships, plant alongside Calendula 'Oopsy Daisy' (matching dwarf habit, complementary cream-and-tangerine).\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Bishy Barnabees Cottage Garden Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":64766396924253,"sku":"RUD-MRM","price":2.1,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0953\/1185\/5965\/files\/7E191175-8652-4B90-8DD8-9D12D2927790.jpg?v=1779457382","url":"https:\/\/turfstoreuk.com\/products\/rudbeckia-marmalade","provider":"Turf Store UK ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}