About
A graceful perennial, often grown as an annual, to around 50cm high, with oval-shaped, bristly green leaves. Bright yellow daisy-like flowers, with a broad, dark purple-brown central ring, are produced from mid summer into 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
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial, Annual Biennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationBest grown as a half-hardy annual, or with winter protection in colder areas. Thrives in moderately fertile, well-drained soil that does not dry out, in full sun or partial shade. See rudbeckia cultivation for more detailed advice
PruningDeadhead to remove spent flowers
PropagationPropagate by seed or by softwood cuttings
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, and to slugs on young growth
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews, especially on dry soils