About
A short-lived perennial, usually grown as an annual, to 75cm in height, from mid-summer to early autumn produces classic golden-yellow flowerheads with narrow, slightly-tapered ray florets surrounding a pale-green "eye" that turns yellow-brown as the disc florets open.
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
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Gravel garden, Wildlife gardens
ToxicityHarmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
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