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Herbaceous Perennial

Rudbeckia californica

California coneflower

A bushy, clump-forming herbaceous perennial, up to 2m high, with broadly lance-shaped green leaves. Produces large, daisy-like flowerheads to 13cm across, with a prominent yellow-green central cone that turns brown as the flowers mature, and spreading yellow petals that become reflexed. Flowers are held singly on tall stems from mid to late summer

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Ultimate height

1.5–2.5 metres

Time to ultimate height

2–5 years

Ultimate spread

0.5–1 metres

Clay

Loam

Moisture

Moist but well–drained

pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Full sun
Partial shade

Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure

Exposed or Sheltered

Hardiness
Hardiness ratings
All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets
H1a: under glass all year (>15C)
H1b: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1c: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)

Botanical details

Family: Asteraceae
Native to GB / Ireland: No
Foliage: Deciduous
Habit: Bushy, Columnar upright
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: USA (California)

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. Divide every 3-5 years to maintain vigour. See rudbeckia cultivation for more detailed advice

Propagation

Propagate by seed or by division in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Cottage and informal garden
Prairie planting
Wildflower meadow
Wildlife gardens
Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Spent flowering stems may be cut back, or left to provide winter interest

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, to leaf and bud eelworms, and to slugs on young growth

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews, especially on dry soils

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