The Iowa Arboretum and Gardens is located just north of Des Moines in Madrid, Iowa, USA. One day a year in August, their Trial Program invites master gardeners, arboretum members, horticultural industry pros, and the general public to share their opinions on the perennial and shrub varieties being trialed.
This data is crucial, of course, to analyze and communicate consumer trends and regional tastes, but it also helps the public “explore the breadth of their purchasing options,” according to the gardens managers.
This year’s Trial Program Public Evaluation Day Winners includes a new perennial from PanAmerican Seed: Rudbeckia Goldblitz.
Goldblitz enhances garden designs as “a treasure [that] can handle anything” according to the arboretum. It tolerates heat, drought and wet conditions while still performing great. Its mass of golden-yellow flowers contrasts with dark centers, which emerge above compact, deep-green foliage forming neat clumps.
Goldblitz flowers earlier than most Rudbeckia and it is a continuous bloomer throughout summer and into autumn. It is loved by pollinators and songbirds. Use it in mass plantings, borders, in containers or in combinations. So far in Iowa it has survived one winter and two growing seasons.
Some of the comments from arboretum guests include:
- “Nice height with no flopping. Foliage is clean. COVERED in blooms.
- “Amazing profusion of flowers, nice round form.”
- “Vibrant yellow blooms.”
To learn more about Rudbeckia Goldblitz, visit our product page here where you’ll find full GrowerFacts and retail support.