About
An erect biennial to 50cm in height with bristly stems and leaves and classic daisy-shaped flowerheads from July through to autumn. The flowerheads have a brown central disc surrounded by bronze petals that bleed into yellow at their tips.
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
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildflower meadow
Care notes
CultivationBest grown as a half-hardy annual. Grows well in moderately fertile, preferably heavy but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade
PruningDeadhead spent flowers
PropagationPropagate by seed sown with gentle heat in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to grey moulds if air circulation is poor