Coneflower / Black-Eyed Susan

Rudbeckia fulgida sullivantii 'Goldsturm'. 2-Litre Potted Plants

Black-eyed Susan is a cheery yellow late-summer flowering herbaceous perennial to gladden the heart, and Goldsturm is one of the best cultivars, with tidy upright growth to about 60cm, and generously sized flowers.

This is a bombproof, hardy, well-behaved plant that flowers its socks off, then the round seed heads provide some strong shapes to carry you through winter, as well as fodder for birds.

Features

• Colour: Bright yellow, with black centres.
• Flowering: August - October.
• Foliage: Neat, pointed, mid-green.
• Height x spread: 60cm x 50cm
• Position: Sun or partial shade.
• Soil: Any, moist, well drained soil.
• RHS Plants for Pollinators
• RHS Award of Garden Merit

Growing Rudbeckia

They're easy to grow in moderately fertile soil that is moist, well-drained but doesn't dry out - ideal for improved clay in sun or light shade.

Their compact size makes them suitable for containers in courtyard gardens or on the patio.

Cut back the previous year's growth in Spring.

In Your Garden Design

A must for informal and prairie planting schemes alongside grasses and other perennials such as Achilleas, Sedum and Verbena bonariensis. They look terrific in large drifts in more traditional herbaceous borders. Try them with contrasting bright pink Echinacea for a long-lasting late summer burst of colour.

Did You Know?

The North American genus Rudbeckia was named by the Godfather of Taxonomy himself, Carl Linnaeus (1707-1778) in honour of his mentor at Uppsala University in Sweden, Olof Rudbeck, and Olof's father Olaus. Fulgida means "shining, glistening".

Plant in sun or light shade in moist but well-drained soil. Add organic matter and space 45cm apart. Water well until established and during dry spells. Suitable for containers. Feed with a general fertiliser in spring. Protect young growth against slugs. Deadhead. Divide in spring or autumn. Support with twiggy branches or brushwood before flowers appear.