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Herbaceous Perennial

Rudbeckia maxima
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

great coneflower

A tall herbaceous perennial producing a mound of large, smooth, blue-grey leaves. The flowering stems rise to 1.5m, carrying yellow-petalled daisy flowers with central dark brown to black cones from midsummer to mid-autumn

Other common names
cabbage leaf coneflower
large coneflower
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Blue Grey Silver
Summer Brown Yellow Blue Grey Silver
Autumn Brown Yellow Blue Grey Silver
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
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
USA

How to grow

Cultivation

Likes a deep, moist soil in a sunny position

Propagation

Propagate by division in spring or autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Architectural
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Prairie planting
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Deadhead faded flowers

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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