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chelsea-chopping-rudbeckias

celia2celia2 Posts: 21

Does anyone know whether rudbeckia goldquelle (the yellow pompom type) responds to "chelsea chopping" in June.  Cutting back like this works well on plants like the border phlox to make them more compact, but my rudbeckia has reached 5 feet tall ! 

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  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 27,160

    That's a cultivar of R. laciniata. I have the species and it is too tall for it's strength. I think a chop would be worth the experiment. It was on my list to try this year but none of the list got done.

    That wasn't a lot of help was itimage



    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • celia2celia2 Posts: 21

    Thanks folks.  One good thing about this rudbeckia is that I can look it straight in the eye !   And another is that we're having winds and rain at the moment and it's still standing tall with no staking.  Will have a go with a "chelsea chop" next June.

  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 27,160

    I rarely get the chance to look mine in the eye, it's always at least 45 degrees from upright.

    Could try chopping half, then there'd be two flowerings at two levels



    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • celia2celia2 Posts: 21

    Good thinking nutcutlet !  image

  • waterbuttswaterbutts Posts: 1,214

    Excuse my ignorance, but who or what is the Chelsea chop?

    I've heard of Barnsley chops and Chelsea tractors, ......

  • celia2celia2 Posts: 21

    Thanks Verdun.  I grow the Goldsturm in another part of the border and it's brilliant - don't need to do anything to it.  Thought I'd try this Rudbeckia Laciniata Goldquelle as I wanted another yellow perennial.  I tried a Helenium, which just fell over, as did a Helianthus.  Must say, it's quite difficult finding a chosen colour with the right height and habit, without the need for staking.

  • waterbuttswaterbutts Posts: 1,214

    Celia2, Please, what is the Chelsea chop?

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 83,928

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





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