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 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
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.
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 laciniata 'Golden Glow'Golden Glow
- Rudbeckia mollisSoft Rudbeckia
- Rudbeckia nitidashining coneflower
- Rudbeckia nitida 'Goldquelle'Black-Eyed Susan