About
A mix of biennial or short-lived perennials usually grown as annuals, to around 70cm high, with oval-shaped, bristly green leaves. Daisy-like single or bi-coloured flowers, in shades of yellow, orange, red and brown, are borne on leafy, upright stems from late 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
HabitBushy, Columnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 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. Grows well in moderately fertile, preferably heavy but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. See rudbeckia cultivation for more detailed advice
PruningDeadhead to remove spent flowers
PropagationPropagate by seed sown with gentle heat in spring. Light is needed for germination. Harden off before planting out
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, to leaf and bud eelworms, and to slugs on young growth
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews, especially on dry soils