About
A clump-forming, rhizomatous perennial to 70cm high, with ovate basal leaves, and branching stems with narrow, serrated stem leaves. Flowers appear from summer through until autumn. The flowers are petalless and consist of a large, velvety black cone-shaped flowerhead with golden-yellow pollen forming a ring around it and green brachts at the base.
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, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Prairie planting
Care notes
CultivationGrow in humus rich, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Able to tolerate drought once established. See rudbeckia cultivation for further advice
PruningDeadhead regularly. Can be cut back in autumn, though stems and seedheads persist well and can provide structure in winter
PropagationPropagate by division in spring or autumn
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids and slugs
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews