Rudbeckia hirta plant care and growing

RUDBECKIA Plant profile

Rudbeckia (or Coneflower or Black-eyed Susan)

Rudbeckia originate from North America, this is why they like the sun in summer, but are very hardy - North America has freezing winters, but gloriously warm summers. Both annual and perennial varieties are readily available. The reason for being nicknamed 'coneflower' is the black cone which is in the centre of their flowers. Use them as border plants, or in pots. They come into flower around the end of July , with medium sized golden yellow blooms, and will last well past most other plants, right up to early November . They are excellent as cut flowers for flower arrangements in the house.

GardenAction have grown quite a few varieties of Rudbeckia, and it is best to know that most of them grow about 20% taller and wider than described on the seed packets, so be careful that you space them a little further apart than recommended. The only one we know which grows to height described on the seed packets is 'Marmalade' - a good variety, but not one of our recommended varieties because the seed germination rate is only about 40%.

Rudbeckia hirta 'Marmalade' -  it grows to the expected height!

Cultivation
The best conditions are full sun in a well-drained or moist soil. They are tolerant of partial shade and will grow well in most soils - in short, they are very tolerant of most conditions, but don't let them get too dry.

Cultivation 'for beginners guide' (5 easy, 1hard)  

Propagation
Propagation of annuals is by sowing seed in autumn or spring; propagation of perennials is by division (or seed) in spring. See recommended varieties below for specific details.

Propagation 'for beginners guide' (5 easy, 1hard)   

Overall
Rudbeckia are a definite winner, lots of colour, not too choosy about conditions, and definitely 'low-maintenance' plants. They are excellent as cut-flowers for the house. They have the added benefit that you can propagate lots of new plants with a reasonable chance of success.

Overall 'for beginners guide' (5 best, 1worst)    

Rudbeckia fulgida 'Suilvantii'

CLICK HERE FOR MORE ON RUDBECKIA
INCLUDING RECOMMENDED VARIETIES