I live in Columbus ohio and they are indeed an annual - the seeds do not come true either...

Ok that is good to know. I did ws some seeds but only one germinated and it went *poof* shortly after planting out. Thanks

Paula

I'm nearby in Cincinnati. I always get great results WSing rud hirtas here. They usually last into year 2 but don't necessarily survive the whole second summer. Often they just bite the dust in mid-summer year 2.

My cherry brandy were pretty last year. Now as second year plants they are the ugliest, most pathetic looking things...
I think best performance on these would be as annuals here too.

Karen

Not in Indiana, but zone 5 here.

I bought a plant last year and it failed to return. I think I tossed the WS jug before I should have, because other hirtas sprouted later for me.

I'm zone 5 too, and mine, which was wintersown last year, came back just fine. The plant is bigger this year, and covered in buds, which are just starting to open.

Here is a picture of the first bloom:

{{gwi:419056}}

My Ruby Gold did not come back for a second year though, and my Irish Eyes only made it two years. I just plan on wintersowing my favorite Rudbeckias every year, and replacing whichever ones don't return, because I think they are gorgeous, blooming machines : )

Bonnie