About
Produces large, daisy-like flowerheads, with a prominent yellow-green central cone that turns brown as the flowers mature, and spreading yellow petals that become reflexed. A clump-forming herbaceous perennial, to around 1.5m high, with smooth, slightly leathery, elliptic green leaves. Flowers are usually held singly, on tall wiry stems from mid to late summer.
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
Soil typeClay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy, Columnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Prairie planting, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile soil that does not dry out. Divide every 3-5 years to maintain vigour. See rudbeckia cultivation for more detailed advice
PruningSpent flowering stems may be cut back, or left to provide winter interest
PropagationPropagate by seed or by division in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, to leaf and bud eelworms, and to slugs on young growth
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews, especially on dry soils