Why Classics are Classics: Rudbeckia & Petunias
Classic mixes become classic for not one but several strong reasons. For example, an extremely popular autumn mix is rudbeckia with petunias. Let’s take a close look at why these two crops work so well with each other.
To begin, both crops withstand the late summer and early autumn weather. They thrive in the hot days and occasionally chilly nights. Both tolerate the sometimes rainy and sometimes dry climate as well, so their cultural needs are pretty evenly matched.
A simple, lightweight Up & Around design is the way to go with this combo. The rudbeckia will rise up as the centerpiece, and the Petunias will grow around as accents. It’s a very easy design style that works well with in-the-moment creativity or never-saw-the-site-before situations. The mix can be ordered ahead and then planted by anyone who can follow the simple Up & Around rule. “Looks great—let’s go!” says the crew, and that is a profitable thing to say.
Another reason these two crops work well together is because their contrasts are so well balanced. The rudbeckia grows up with big eyes and stiff petals, while the petunias grow around with delicate trumpets and folded centers.
The brilliance behind this pair is the diversity that the petunias bring to the table. Placed in a container, trailing petunias create a spilling effect. Planted in a garden bed, spreading petunias provide full color coverage. Look at the colors that the petunias deliver. Here are the petunias we are shipping this week, and they all work with yellow.
Petunia Supercal Terra Cotta
Petunia Sweetunia Hot Rod Red
Petunia Suncatcher Midnight Blue
Petunia Sweetunia Mystery
Petunia Wave Great Lakes Mix
As you can see, this mix is popular with customers and clients, grows well together, tolerates the autumn weather, and is available in a range of colors for several different planting situations. Classics become classics for several strong reasons—not just one. And they remain classics for a long time because their strengths are durable. If you grow for trends and not fads, these are the garden values to look for in your crops.
