Perennial
Orange coneflower
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flowers | Flowers in August | Flowers in September | Flowers in October | |||||||||
| Plant | Plant in March | Plant in April | Plant in May | Plant in September | Plant in October | |||||||
| Prune | Prune in February | Prune in March | ||||||||||
| Looks good | Looks good in August | Looks good in September | Looks good in October | Looks good in November | Looks good in December |
Overview
Rudbeckia fulgida 'Goldsturm' and the similar var. sullivantii are the classic perennial black-eyed Susans: drifts of golden-yellow daisies with dark, domed centres from August well into autumn. They spread steadily into weed-smothering clumps. Do not confuse them with R. hirta, the larger-flowered, often short-lived types grown as annuals, such as 'Cherry Brandy' and 'Prairie Sun'.
Where to grow orange coneflower
Grow it in sun or light shade in soil that holds some moisture through summer; unlike many prairie plants, R. fulgida flags in dry, sandy ground. Heavy soil is fine. It pairs well with grasses, Michaelmas daisies and sedum for a warm late-season scheme.
Planting
Plant in spring or early autumn, 45 cm apart, into soil improved with compost. Water regularly during the first summer while roots establish.
Care through the year
Spring
Cut away old stems as new growth appears and mulch with compost to help hold moisture.
Summer
Water in dry spells, especially in the first couple of years. Stems are usually sturdy enough without staking.
Autumn
Deadhead early on to prolong flowering, then let later flowers ripen into dark seed heads.
Winter
Leave stems standing; the black cones look smart rimed with frost and feed birds.
Pruning
Cut all old stems to the ground in late winter or early spring before new shoots get tall. No other pruning is needed.
Propagation
Divide clumps every three or four years in spring or autumn, replanting the vigorous outer sections and discarding the tired centre. Seed sown in spring also works for the species.
Common problems
Generally robust. Slugs can damage young shoots. Powdery mildew and leaf spot may appear in late summer, particularly when plants are dry at the roots, so keep them watered and give them space.
Something else wrong? Diagnose it by symptom.
Month-by-month reminders
Jobs for this plant come round in February, March, April, May, September and October. Each month page lists everything else worth doing in the garden at the same time.
Related plants
Sources
Botanical names follow Kew's Plants of the World Online; growing attributes were checked against the references below. Text is our own. See our editorial policy.