The third AAS flower award for 1995 is Rudbeckia hirta 'Indian Summer'. Indian Summer' produces huge golden yellow blooms that are 6 to 9 inches across. Flowers are single or semidouble with a contrasting dark center. Plants grow about 3 feet tall and do not require staking. Once flowering begins, it continues throughout the season.
Plants are heat and drought tolerant and thrive in poor soils.
For best performance though, provide them with adequate water and fertilizer. In the garden, plants should be spaced one to two feet apart. Plants are considered annuals in this area. There were no AAS vegetable winners for 1995. Perhaps 1996 will be a vegetable year.