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Herbaceous Perennial

Rudbeckia subtomentosa
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

sweet coneflower

An upright, herbaceous perennial to 1.5m, with branching stems and lobed leaves. From late summer to autumn it produces daisy-like flowerheads composed of bright yellow ray florets around a central, dark brown cone. The pollinator-friendly flowers are good for cutting

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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Yellow Green
Autumn Yellow Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Asteraceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
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

Name status

Correct

Plant range
C USA

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile soil that does not dry out. Will tolerate light shade but flowering is best in full sun. See rudbeckia cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by seed or division

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Prairie planting
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Cut old stems back to ground level in early spring

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids

Diseases

May be susceptible to Powdery mildews

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