Some of the black eyed susans cut flower varieties received special attention at 2009 plant trials.

One of the black eyed susans, Rudbeckia Tiger Eye Gold received numerous awards.

It was named a Prairie Star winner for 2010. This was chosen after evaluations at the Kansas State University trial gardens. This was also named a favorite at the University of Wisconsin trials, which took place at the West Madison Agricultural Research Station in Madison.

Tiger Eye Gold was also named one of the best new varieties at the University of Guelph Trial Gardens in Guelph, Ontario. This was also a favorite at the WeHoP/The Plant Station, located at Castle Rock, Washington.

Tiger Eye Gold was named one of the best new varieties at the University of Illinois trials, which took place at the University of Illinois Arboretum in the Miles C. Hartley Selections Garden in Urbana.

This variety was also a favorite at Hole’s Greenhouses and Gardens in Alberta, Ontario. In addition, it was a favorite at the Ohio State University plant trials in Columbus.

Tiger Eye Gold also received the very first American Garden Award. This new award is sponsored by All-America Selections. At 17 public gardens around the country, visitors were urged to vote for their favorite plant. It should come as no surprise that Tiger Eye Gold won.

The program was inaugurated in April 2009. The candidates were all seed-grown varieties. Only ten varieties are allowed to compete each year for this new award.

No All-America Selections winners are allowed in the competition. Visitors can vote by calling a toll-free phone number or by sending a text message.

Several other black eyed susans were also award winners. Rudbeckia
Cappuccino was a favorite at the University of Tennessee trial gardens in Knoxville.

Rudbeckia Denver Daisy was named one of the best new varieties at the Oklahoma State University trials in Oklahoma City. It was also named a favorite at the University of Guelph trials.