Northern & Central Midwest
August, 2000
Regional Report
Web Finds
Fruit Growing Web Site
Ohio State University's Midwest Small Fruit Pest Management Handbook (www.ag.ohio-state.edu/~ohioline/b861/b861_62.html) is a must for anyone growing fruits of any kind. Although it originates in Ohio, the information is useful for growing anywhere in the Midwest.
Favorite or New Plant
Rudbeckia nitida 'Herbstsonne'
This perennial flower looks like a 6-foot shrub! It's a perfect backdrop for other plants and a beacon in the late-summer perennial border. The 'Herbstsonne' cultivar has an upright form with bright golden yellow flowers from July through October. Best of all, it doesn't need any staking!
It prefers full sun with moderate to low soil moisture. The species is a native of southern prairies, so it performs best in good soil that's not terribly rich (soil that is too rich can make it flop over). Mulch it after the ground has frozen in fall and give it supplemental water in the driest of times.
