They are probably cross pollinated seedlings from the various rudbeckias. You now have new and different offspring. It'll be fun. You could make a fortune if you discover a new strain. Well - maybe not.

I've grown multiple varieties of Rudbeckia from seed via the winter sowing method and so far they've all come true from seed & bloomed as expected their first year. I'd guess in your situation boday is correct that yours were cross-pollinated but if that's true, I question how my own plants come true after a few years planted in my garden beds? This is their 3rd year so chances are they've also been cross-pollinated by bees and butterflies.

It's a puzzlement!!

What variety did you recall planting? That one is a beauty! Is it a hybrid or will it return next year..can you collect seeds from it to save for next year?

There are lots of plants that aren't "reliably" hardy in cold regions. It's a fun surprise for me when they sprout new green from the base of the plants. It sounds as if yours didn't survive the winter and return, but reseeded, instead. I know nothing about how stable seedlings from commercial annual seeds are supposed to be, but hybridized plants will usually tend to revert back to whatever the original appearance of the parents were. I agree that the flower you showed us is gorgeous. I have annual rudbeckias growing, but I don't have any blooms yet. You're making me anxious to see what I get.

Martha

My rudbeckias cross pollinate freely and there are all sorts of different flower patterns happening in my garden.