About
An upright perennial often grown as an annual/biennial with green foliage and large, semi-double dark red daisy-like flowers with copper-red tips and a dark chocolate-brown button shaped centre, appearing from June to October.
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
Height0.1-0.5 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. Grows well in moderately fertile, preferably heavy but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. See rudbeckia cultivation for further advice
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