About
A bushy, clump-forming herbaceous perennial to 60cm tall, with lance-shaped, slightly toothed, hairy dark green leaves. From mid summer to autumn it produces a profusion of daisy-like flowerheads, with a near-black central cone and narrow, golden yellow-orange quilled petals in warmer weather and tinted bronze as temperatures cool.
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 typeClay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Prairie planting, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile soil that does not dry out. Will tolerate light shade but flowering is best in full sun. May need protection in cold winters. See rudbeckia cultivation for more detailed advice
PruningSpent flowering stems may be cut back, or left to provide winter interest
PropagationPropagate by division in spring. As this plant is protected by Plant Breeders' Rights, any propagation should be for personal rather than commercial use
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, and to slugs on young growth
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews, especially on dry soils