to keep rudbeckia going

berarde

I put in some rudbeckia goldsturm last autumn which have put on a great display . I planted three, but now there seem to be four!

I have read that they don't usually last more than two years, but at the same time that they self seed and can become rampant. Would it be a good idea to collect some seed from this year and raise some new plants in case of loss?

Is it easy to grow from seed?

JoeX

It’s supposed to be relatively easy, but I failed growing from seed and the returning plants from last year (snails and slugs had them), I had to buy more.

Fairygirl

Have you tried taking cuttings?
Or do both 

Lyn

I have never heard of it only lasting 2 years, when I first started planting up this garden, I bought 6 plugs from J. Parker,  it’s everywhere now, not self seeded though, it stays in clumps and I’ve dug bits out and placed it in other borders, one of the original plugs is at least 5’ wide,  not from seeding, the original plant. 

Fairygirl

I've never heard of it being a short lived plant either @Lyn, but perhaps there are a few new types which are. 
Goldsturm's been around a long time though. Always seems to be reliable, although I haven't grown it in this garden.
The woman across the road has it - or at least, I think that's the one she has. It's the most popular one, and stocked everywhere, so  pretty likely. It's lovely just now 

Lyn

Same here FG, makes a lovely show and will go for some time yet. I’ll take a phot when I’m dressed 

Fairygirl

Are you in your scanties then @Lyn?