About
A compact half-hardy perennial, to around 40cm high, with oval-shaped, sparsely toothed dark green leaves. Daisy-like flowers are produced from mid summer into autumn, with dark red petals brushed with dark brown in the centre.
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
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy, Clump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens, Gravel garden
Care notes
CultivationBest grown as a half-hardy annual, or with winter protection from frosts. Grows well in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. See rudbeckia cultivation for further advice
PruningDeadhead regularly
PropagationPropagate by division in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, and to slugs on young growth
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews