About

An erect biennial with bristly stems and leaves, and classic daisy-shaped flowerheads, 60-80cm, from high summer through to autumn. Flowerheads have a green centre surrounded by a warm gold ring and yellow-tipped petals.

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

Care notes

CultivationBest grown as an annual. Young plants can be hardened off and planted out after danger of frost has past. Rarely survives winter wet and cold
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