Overview

Rudbeckia laciniata is a perennial in the genus Rudbeckia, part of the Asteraceae family. It typically grows around 2.4 m tall. Rudbeckia laciniata grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is native to N America.

About

A tall perennial reaching about 2.4 m, Rudbeckia laciniata produces coneflower heads through late summer and autumn. It flowers from July to October and favours moist but well-drained soil. Plant it in a sunny spot on sandy, loamy or clay soils where its height can be accommodated. It is fully hardy in the UK (H7).

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0Rudbeckia laciniata

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 4.0Rudbeckia

In the garden

Rudbeckia laciniata is a North American perennial that forms prominent flowering stems up to 2.4 m. It brings a late-summer to autumn sequence to the border, flowering from July to October, and is commonly listed under names such as cutleaf or green-headed coneflower. Place the plant in full sun where soils remain moist but not waterlogged; it tolerates sandy, loamy and clay types provided they drain. In UK terms it is H7, fully hardy, so it survives typical winter conditions without special winter protection. Its height makes it best sited where it won’t obscure shorter companions—towards the rear of herbaceous borders or along wider shelter belts. Maintenance is straightforward if given the right site: a sunny aspect and consistently damp, well-drained soil suit this species. Allow space for tall stems and check moisture through dry spells in summer. The long flowering window from July to October provides structural height and late-season presence that complements lower perennials and grasses.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Rudbeckia

Sunlight
Full sun
Soil type
Sandy, Loamy, Clay
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained
UK hardiness
H7

Plant details

Rudbeckia laciniata size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
perennial
Height
2.4 m
Native to
N America

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Rudbeckia laciniata?

Rudbeckia laciniata prefers full sun.

What soil does Rudbeckia laciniata need?

Rudbeckia laciniata is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.

How big does Rudbeckia laciniata grow?

Rudbeckia laciniata reaches a height of 2.4 m.

Is Rudbeckia laciniata hardy in the UK?

Rudbeckia laciniata has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.

More in the Rudbeckia genus

Browse all Rudbeckia