About
An upright, rhizomatous perennial to 2m tall, with branched stems bearing flower heads with a ring of green bracts at the base of a dark brown, central cone and no petals. These unusual flowers are highly prized for floral arrangements either fresh or dried.
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
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Care notes
CultivationGrow on moderately fertile soil that is well drained and in full sun. Ideal for the back of flower borders and plants will benefit from staking before the flowers appear See staking perennials for further advice
PruningCut down stems after flowering or leave for winter interest
PropagationPropagate by division in spring or by seed
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free