About
Produces large, daisy-like flowerheads, with a prominent grey-green central cone that turns brown as the flowers mature, and drooping yellow petals. A tall, clump-forming herbaceous perennial, up to 1.8m high, with hairy stems and broadly lance-shaped, hairy green leaves. Flowers are held singly on tall stems from mid to late summer.
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 typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy, Columnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Prairie planting, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile soil, will tolerate some drought once established. Flowering is best in full sun. Divide every 3-5 years to maintain vigour. See rudbeckia cultivation for more detailed advice
PruningSpent flowering stems may be cut back, or left to provide winter interest
PropagationPropagate by seed or by division in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, to leaf and bud eelworms, and to slugs on young growth
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews