Overview
Rudbeckia mollis is a perennial in the genus Rudbeckia, part of the Asteraceae family. Rudbeckia mollis grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained and sandy or loamy soils and neutral to slightly acidic pH. Suggested uses include wildflower gardens, naturalized areas and pollinator gardens. It is native to South Carolina, Alabama, Georgia and Florida.
About
Rudbeckia mollis is a perennial in the Asteraceae that produces prolonged summer-to-autumn blooms, flowering from July to October. It originates from the southeastern United States, notably South Carolina, Alabama, Georgia and Florida. The species prefers full sun or partial shade on well-drained sandy or loamy soils with a neutral to slightly acidic pH and a consistently moist but not waterlogged root environment. It suits naturalistic plantings and pollinator-oriented sites where a long flowering window is desirable.
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 mollis is a perennial member of the Asteraceae native to South Carolina, Alabama, Georgia and Florida. It comes into its own from mid-summer into autumn, reliably flowering from July to October, which makes it a useful component of season‑lengthened displays. Plant it where it receives full sun or light shade on a sandy or loamy, well‑drained soil with a neutral to slightly acidic reaction. The soil should remain moist yet drain freely; heavy, waterlogged ground will reduce vigour. Positioning in a sheltered, well‑drained spot helps the root environment remain consistently moist without standing water. Soft Rudbeckia sits well in wildflower borders, naturalised meadows and pollinator gardens, integrating with long-flowering perennials to extend nectar sources into late summer and early autumn. Use it where a reliable flowering run from July to October is wanted to bridge midsummer displays towards autumn interest.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Rudbeckia
- Sunlight
- full sun, partial shade
- Soil type
- well-drained, sandy or loamy
- Soil pH
- neutral to slightly acidic
- Soil moisture
- moist, well-drained
Plant details
Rudbeckia mollis size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Suggested uses
- wildflower gardens, naturalized areas, pollinator gardens
- Native to
- South Carolina, Alabama, Georgia, Florida
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Rudbeckia mollis
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, well-drained soils; tolerates some drought once established.
- Pruning
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage blooming; cut back in late fall or early spring.
- Propagation
- Seed, division
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Rudbeckia mollis?
Prefers moist, well-drained soils; tolerates some drought once established.
Where is the best place to plant Rudbeckia mollis?
Rudbeckia mollis prefers full sun and partial shade.
What soil does Rudbeckia mollis need?
Rudbeckia mollis grows best in well-drained and sandy or loamy soil. It prefers neutral to slightly acidic soil. Aim for soil that stays moist to well-drained.
How do I prune Rudbeckia mollis?
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage blooming; cut back in late fall or early spring.
How do I propagate Rudbeckia mollis?
Seed, division.
More in the Rudbeckia genus
- Rudbeckia nitidashining coneflower
- Rudbeckia nitida 'Goldquelle'Black-Eyed Susan
- Rudbeckia nitida 'Herbstsonne'
- Rudbeckia Summerdaisy's Bronze Bicolor
- Rudbeckia sub. 'Henry Eilers'Black-eyed Susan
- Rudbeckia sub. 'Little Henry'Black-eyed Susan