About
A bushy biennial or short-lived perennial to 1m tall, with dark red stems and roughly hairy leaves. From late summer into early autumn it bears a profusion of flowerheads to 5cm across, composed of golden yellow ray florets around a raised, black cones. This cultivar shows good disease-resistance, and its pollinator-friendly flowers are good for cutting.
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 typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Prairie planting, 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. See rudbeckia cultivation
PruningCut old stems back to ground level in early spring
PropagationPropagate by seed or division
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free