About

A rhizomatous perennial with hairy leaves and branching stems that carry flowers with deep-brown centres and warm-golden ray florets in mid to late summer and early autumn.

About the genus

Rudbeckia may be annuals, biennials or rhizomatous herbaceous perennials, with simple or pinnately divided leaves and large daisy-like flower-heads with yellow or orange rays surrounding a prominent conical disk

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6

Plant details

Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens, Wildflower meadow, Prairie planting
Native toE USA & E Canada

Care notes

CultivationGrow in humus rich, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Able to tolerate drought once established. See rudbeckia cultivation for further advice
PruningDeadhead regularly. Can be cut back in autumn, though stems and seedheads persist well and can provide structure in winter
PropagationPropagate by seed, or divide established plants in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids and slugs
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews