Rudbeckia Sweet Coneflower

Enjoy an almost endless succession of yellow, daisy like blooms as they open on the upright stems throughout the warmer months. The narrow, sunshine petals radiate around a raised, chocolate cone. Each bloom is around 7cm across, and while they have a sweet, anise fragrance, it is not strong so you would really have to get your nose in there. The seed heads will remain decorative into winter.

The leaves are grey green with a soft underside.

Rudbeckia are invaluable plant for beds and borders. They flower and flower and flower with very little care. Try adding these yellow flowers to complement blue and purple Salvias or Echinacea. The blooms of Rudbeckia also last well in a vase.

Plant in full sun to light shade – in too much shade they tend to flop. Rudbeckia subtomentosa need at least six hours of sun a day to flower at their best. Plant into moderately fertile, to humus rich, well drained soil. Water to establish and then only if rainfall is low. Divide if they outgrow their space. Ensure there is good air flow to avoid powdery mildew. Plant where it is protected from strong winds.

Dead head regularly to increase bloom time.