Arizona Apricot is awesome. I got some seeds last year and it overwintered great!

I like it because it is shorter. That photo in the DB is awesome!!

Virginiarose, my plant (that I think is 'Arizona Apricot') does have shorter flower scapes than the other one - but they were raised in different environments so I don't know that I can count on that being true next year. Also, the blooms on my AA also seem to have a single row of petals, as does the O&L.

For what it it worth, though, I am letting some seed heads develop on each plant. Thus far, the ones on AA look like a golden yellow, whereas the one or two on O&L look more like a chartreuse lemon, which is hopefully another confirmation of the identity.

My AA started off that way but if you have it in full sun it should get fuller from what I have seen. I put in a small order with a new company so I got a couple of AA and a few other things. But nothing else I swear, I cannot handle any more plants....well after the 26 double fans from Maryott's I mean.

"after the 26 double fans from Maryott's"

LOL. (My order from Bill is soaking in whatever buckets and tubs I could squeeze the plants into.)

I looked at AA again today... it looks on at least one flower like it has a partial second row of petals. The plant is off the patio on the north side of one wing/corner of the house, such that from late spring through late summer it gets morning sun, but thereafter is shaded. Maybe I will dig it up when the incoming 2 x O&L arrive, but then it is probably going to suffer overwinter in the pot.

Meanwhile... the Rubdeckia I bought for autumn color has pretty much died (not sure if it is from inconsistent watering or what... I seem to have no luck with Rubdeckia). The coneflowers I ordered arrived, but 2 of the 3 'Tiki Torch' had blackened and withered leaves (and signs of a fungus). The 3rd plant also is not in great shape, but at least it has some green leaves on it. (The other coneflowers, while also somewhat affected, look to survive.) I have a complaint in to the company I bought them from, sigh.

As far as I know the Rudbeckias always look ratty this time of year. Very disappointing plus they were terribly invasive. If it did not grow, count your blessings. Also they are a host plant for Yellow Asters disease, so if you like coneflowers you might want to get rid of it.
The coneflowers can be sprayed with peroxide water, it has nitrogen and will also kill the fungus. 10% is fine I think but Clint will be along.

I'd spray the coneflowers with this...They sell it at Lowes and other stores.



If the leaves have black on the edges or ends, cut that part off and leave the green.