Overview
Rudbeckia hirta var. pulcherrima is a bushy, clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Rudbeckia, part of the Asteraceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 1 metres tall. Rudbeckia hirta var. pulcherrima grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, patio and container plants, wildlife gardens, wildflower meadow, prairie planting, cut flowers and flower borders and beds.
About
Rudbeckia hirta, commonly called black-eyed Susan and yellow coneflower, is a North American flowering plant in the family Asteraceae. It grows to 1 metre tall with daisy-like yellow flower heads.
About the genus
Rudbeckia is a plant genus in the Asteraceae or composite family. Rudbeckia flowers feature a prominent, raised central disc in black, brown shades of green, and in-between tones, giving rise to their familiar common names of coneflowers and black-eyed-susans. All are native to North America, and many species are cultivated in gardens for their showy yellow or gold flower heads that bloom in mid to late summer.
Wikipedia contributors, "Rudbeckia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Rudbeckia
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Rudbeckia
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Rudbeckia hirta var. pulcherrima size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Bushy, Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1 metres
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens, Wildflower meadow, Prairie planting, Cut flowers, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Rudbeckia hirta var. pulcherrima
- Propagation
- Seed, Division in spring or autumn
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, Slugs
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Rudbeckia hirta var. pulcherrima?
Rudbeckia hirta var. pulcherrima prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Rudbeckia hirta var. pulcherrima need?
Rudbeckia hirta var. pulcherrima is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How big does Rudbeckia hirta var. pulcherrima grow?
Rudbeckia hirta var. pulcherrima reaches a height of 1 metres.
Is Rudbeckia hirta var. pulcherrima hardy in the UK?
Rudbeckia hirta var. pulcherrima has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Rudbeckia hirta var. pulcherrima?
Seed, Division in spring or autumn.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Rudbeckia genus
- Rudbeckia fulgidablack-eyed Susan
- Rudbeckia fulgida 'Goldsturm'Black-eyed Susan
- Rudbeckia fulgida var. deamiiDeam's coneflower
- Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantiiSullivant's coneflower
- Rudbeckia laciniatacut-leaved coneflower
- Rudbeckia laciniata 'Golden Glow'Golden Glow
- Rudbeckia mollisSoft Rudbeckia
- Rudbeckia nitidashining coneflower
