Overview

Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii is a perennial in the genus Rudbeckia, part of the Asteraceae family. Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, wildflower gardens, pollinator gardens and cut flowers. It is native to eastern North America.

About

Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii is a herbaceous perennial in the Asteraceae that produces daisy-like flowerheads with dark central disks. Native to eastern North America, it flowers from July to October and favours full sun. It grows on a range of soils — loamy, sandy or clay — provided they are well drained and of neutral to slightly acidic or alkaline pH. Suited to borders, wildflower and pollinator plantings, it also makes reliable cut flowers.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Rudbeckia fulgida

About the genus

Rudbeckia is a plant genus in the Asteraceae or composite family. Rudbeckia flowers feature a prominent, raised central disc in black, brown shades of green, and in-between tones, giving rise to their familiar common names of coneflowers and black-eyed-susans. All are native to North America, and many species are cultivated in gardens for their showy yellow or gold flower heads that bloom in mid to late summer.

Wikipedia contributors, "Rudbeckia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Rudbeckia

In the garden

Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii belongs to the Asteraceae and comes from eastern North America. Its season of bloom runs from July to October, providing a long run of colour during late summer and autumn. Plants set their heads above the foliage and are valued where regular summer display is required. Position the plant in full sun on soil that drains freely; acceptable textures include loam, sand and clay so long as water does not remain at the roots. Soil pH can be neutral, slightly acidic or slightly alkaline, and it tolerates medium to moist conditions provided drainage is present. It is rated H5 for UK hardiness, so it will survive typical winter conditions across most of the UK. Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii fits well in mixed herbaceous borders, pollinator or wildflower areas and can be cut for bouquets during its July–October flowering window. Plant in groups to create a sustained block of colour and to encourage pollinator activity; the long season of bloom also makes it useful where summer-to-autumn continuity is needed in planting schemes.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Rudbeckia

Sunlight

full sun

Soil type

well-drained, loamy, sandy, clay

Soil pH

neutral, slightly acidic, slightly alkaline

Soil moisture

medium, moist, well-drained

UK hardiness

H5

Plant details

Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

perennial

Suggested uses

borders, wildflower gardens, pollinator gardens, cut flowers

Native to

eastern North America

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii

Cultivation

Prefers full sun and well-drained soil; tolerates a range of soil types; deadhead to prolong flowering; divide clumps every few years to maintain vigor.

Pruning

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage reblooming; cut back in late autumn or early spring.

Propagation

Division, seed

Frequently asked questions

More in the Rudbeckia genus

• 
  Rudbeckia mollisSoft Rudbeckia
• 
  Rudbeckia nitidashining coneflower
• 
  Rudbeckia nitida 'Goldquelle'Black-Eyed Susan
• 
  Rudbeckia nitida 'Herbstsonne'
• Rudbeckia Summerdaisy's Bronze Bicolor
• Rudbeckia sub. 'Henry Eilers'Black-eyed Susan
• Rudbeckia sub. 'Little Henry'Black-eyed Susan