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Rudbeckia: 

Common Name: Coneflower.

Another plant from the prairies of the United States that is known as "Coneflower" (see also Echinacea) because of the prominent central cone that is usually dark brown or green. 

They thrive in sun or partial shade and flower for a long period from late July well into autumn. They tolerate drought but are not fussy about soil type. 

Propagate by division of clumps in spring. They will set seed but named varieties don't come true.  

Deadheading is worthwhile with the early flowers but as flowering comes to an end leave on a few seed heads on the taller varieties to add winter interest. Cut down to just above ground level in late winter.

All are great as cut flowers and all are a great attraction to butterflies.

Named by Linnaeus in honour of his teacher Olaf Rudbeck.

Photo: Rudbeckia Goldsturm.

Rudbeckia fulgida var. deamii: Upright plants reaching about 2ft 9incm tall and forming good sized clumps. Glowing yellow flowers with dark brown cone. Distinguished from the similar "Goldsturm" (see below) by softer more rounded leaves and flowers that are more yellow than gold in tone.

RHS Award of Garden Merit (H4)

The epithet fulgida means "shining".

Rudbeckia Deamii (centre) with Heleniums Ruby Tuesday (front) and Dr. Hartmann (back) in our garden 8^th September 2011.

Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii "Goldsturm": Stiffly upright plants reaching about 2ft 6in tall and spreading to form large clumps. Golden flowers with dark brown cone. Probably the best Rudbeckia for flower-power.

RHS Award of Garden Merit (H4)

Rudbeckia Goldsturm with Aster x. Frikartii Mônch in our garden.

Rudbeckia laciniata "Goldkugel" AGM: Surprisingly absent from the RHS Plant Finder, this lovely double Rudbeckia deserves a place at the back of any sunny or part-shaded border.  The tall, graceful plants with handsome, richly divided leaves reach up to 5ft - 6ft and are topped with flowers from late July to October. "Goldkugel" translates as "Golden Globe". One of our favourites.

RHS Award of Garden Merit (H4).

The epithet laciniata means "deeply cut" referring to the shape of the leaves.

Rudbeckia laciniata "Goldquelle" AGM: Double gold flowers on 2ft 6in - 3ft / 75 - 90cm stems. Flowers from late July. Known as sun lover, we grow these successfully in shady spots. The flowers are particularly cut if cut when first opening with greenish centres. "Goldquelle" translates as "Golden Fountain"

RHS Award of Garden Merit (H4).

Rudbeckia nitida "Herbstsonne" AGM ("Autumn Sun"): Tall plants reaching 6ft / 180cm or more with large soft yellow, drooping-petaled flowers. The cone is tall and green as first turning brown with age. Copes with shade very well. Flowers from late July.  

RHS Award of Garden Merit (H4).

Rudbeckia subtormentosa: 3 - 4ft tall, slightly felted leaves, brown-coned yellow flowers. Easy in sun or partly shaded situations. Tolerant of dry conditions. Late flowering - starting in August.

21^st September 2011: Rudbeckia subtormentosa in our garden with Helenium Adios. 

Read more about this plant in our garden diary for September 2011.

Rudbeckia triloba: Hairy leaves and masses of small deep gold flowers in late summer and autumn. Short lived but can self seed to replace itself - worth it anyway for the great autumn display. About 2ft 6in - 3ft tall and well branched and bushy.  

RHS Award of Garden Merit (H4)