Rudbeckia

Rudbeckia hirta
Common name: Gloriosa Daisy, Black-eyed Susan

Rudbeckia fulgida
Common name: Coneflower, Brown-eyed Susan

About Rudbeckia

There are twenty-five species in the genus Rudbeckia, all native to North America. The genus was named for Olaus Rudbeck, the Swedish botanist and physician.

Rudbeckia has both perennial and annual forms. Its golden daisy-like flowers and long blooming period has made it a favorite of gardeners.

Description

Rudbeckia fulgida is a perennial plant native to eastern North America. It grows up to three feet tall with branched stems.

Rudbeckia fulgida ‘Goldsturm’ has been one of the most popular garden plants in cultivation for half a century. It is not quite as tall as the species and has yellow-gold flower heads to of up to four inches in diameter.

Some forms of Rudbeckia hirta are true annuals and others are true perennials. The flowerheads in the species are up to three inches in diameter and produced from midsummer until midautumn. The flowers are yellow or golden in the species, but may have chestnut or maroon rays or green centers in various cultivars.

Scientific Classification

Kingdom - Plantae
Division - Magnoliophyta
Class - Magnoliopsida
Order - Asterales
Family - Asteraceae
Genus - Rudbeckia

Cultivation

Rudbeckia fulgida grows best in full sun, but will tolerate partial shade. It prefers moist but not soggy soil and accepts a full range of soil types and pH levels. This plant is hardy in zones 3 to 9 and is not attractive to deer or rabbits. It blooms from summer into fall, and deadheading will prolong the bloom period. It grows twenty-three to thirty inches tall and has a spread of eighteen to twenty-three inches. The species will increase by both seed and rhizomes and can be quite aggressive. The ‘Goldsturm’ cultivar can be propagated by division.

Rudbeckia hirta occurs naturally in prairies, dry fields, and open woods. It prefers full sun to light shade and evenly moist soil. Established perennial varieties are fairly tolerant of drought and are winter-hardy in zones 3 to 10. Annual varieties can be grown from seed planted two weeks before the last frost date, or started earlier indoors and set out after danger of frost. The seeds need light to germinate. Perennial cultivars can be propagated by division in fall or spring, when the plant is dormant.

Uses

All Rudbeckia look good in flower beds and meadow gardens, and shorter forms do well in planters. They are an excellent choice for butterfly gardens.

The long, strong stems make Rudbeckia a good flower for cutting. It is also a good dried flower. Many gardeners grow some in the cutting garden.

Many species of Rudbeckia are used in prairie restorations; an abundance of these plants on a rangeland is an indication good health. Domestic stock use Rudbeckia for forage.

The roots of Rudbeckia hirta have been used medicinally. They were made into a drink for treating colds and into a warm infusion to bathe sores and snake bites.

Varieties to Grow

Rudbeckia hirta 'Supurba'
Rudbeckia hirta 'Bambi' small; chestnut rays
Rudbeckia hirta 'Irish Eyes' green disks
Rudbeckia hirta 'Toto' dwarf
Rudbeckia hirta 'Gloriosa' very large flowerheads
Rudbeckia fulgida ‘Goldsturm’