About Rudbeckia (Black-Eyed Susan) Coneflower
The rudbeckia, often called Black-Eyed Susan or Coneflower is a summer and autumn favourite. It is a herbaceous perennial that is simply a must-have wildflower in a cottage summer garden or a natural country fall border. They are easy to grow, have a long blooming season and are lovely as cut flowers. They are also suitable for container gardening. The Rudbeckia fulgida var sullivantii ‘Goldsturm’ is one of the favourites. Planted in blocks for maximum impact, it creates a stunning golden-yellow fall display when most other plants start to die back late September and October. One would be hard-pressed to also not notice the taller varieties, such as the R. ‘Herbstsonne’ (also known as ‘Autumn Sun’) towering over 2 metres (6 feet) tall. The Black-Eyed Susan or rudbeckia is low maintenance and easy to care with the tips in this plant guide.
There are dozens of different species and varieties of rudbeckia. These are native in the North America plains, including Canada, the USA and Mexico. While those grown in the Pacific Northwest are perennials, some from their native southern regions of North America would be classified as tender perennials or annuals.
Rudbeckia At A Glance
Type: Perennials / Tender Perennial / Annual*
Location: Full Sun / Partial Shade
Blooming Season: Summer / Autumn
Size: Varies from 30 cm (12 inches) to 3 metres (10 feet)
When To Prune: Cut Down Late Autumn / Early Winter (see details below)
Plant Hardiness Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
*When buying seeds or young plants, check the package or plant tag for whether it is the annual/tender perennial (Rudbeckia hirta) or the hardier perennial (Rudbeckia fulgida) variety.
Where To Plant And How To Grow Rudbeckia
The rudbeckia is easy to grow. While they tolerate most growing conditions, they thrive in well-drained, moist, fertile soil. Rudbeckia should be planted in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Water regularly, especially until it is established. They are relatively drought-tolerant but should not be allowed to be dry out. Some taller plants may need staking or support.
They can also be grown from seed, which can be started early spring indoors or in a cold frame. Spacing should be about 60 cm (24 inches) apart.
Rudbeckia can reseed and spread by rhizomes. Established plants may become overcrowded and lose lustre and benefit from being divided every three or four years. They can be divided during spring or autumn. If you wish to limit the spread, consider planting a container in the ground or putting a barrier around the plant’s root area to limit the spread. Similar to the technique recommended to control Bear’s Breeches.
Companion Plants And Garden Ideas
Pruning And Deadheading Rudbeckia
Cutting back the rudbeckia in June will encourage new shoots. Removing or pinching the tips of stems can also produce new side shoots.
During the flowering season, which usually starts mid-summer, deadhead any faded flowers.
In late autumn or early winter cut back dead stems to the soil level.
RELATED TOPIC: Plants With Daisy-Like Flowers
Pests And Diseases That Affect Rudbeckia
Rudbeckia is generally trouble-free and is deer resistant for the most part. However, hungry deer and rabbits may nibble on young flowers. Spray deer repellent to discourage deer early in the season usually works. Rudbeckia can be affected by aphids, slugs and snails, and occasionally affected by powdery mildew or rust plant disease.
Rudbeckia Tender Perennials
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