How to Grow Rudbeckia Plants

Gardener's HQ Guide to Growing Coneflower and Black Eyed Susan

The Rudbeckia plant genus consists of hardy perennials. Theserange from 30 cm to 1.8 m (1 to 6 feet) in height.

Rudbeckia bloom in the summertime, when they carry white or yellow daisy like flowers. These have brown centers.

Some of the common names for Rudbeckia include Coneflower, Gloriosa daisy, and Black Eyed Susan. Popular varieties include Indian Summer and Cherry brandy.

Photographs of Rudbeckia goldsturm and hirta; Indian Summer, and Cherry Brandy

Rudbeckia hirta – Black-eyed Susan by Per Ola Wiberg ~ Powi; CC.

Rudbeckia hirta by Gmayfield10; Creative Commons.

Rudbeckia goldsturm by Daryl Mitchell.

Rudbeckia cherry brandy by F.D. Richards.

Rudbeckia Indian summer by Lolation.

Commonly Grown Rudbeckia Species Photographs and Plant Identification

Rudbeckia hirta

Rudbeckia hirta (Black-eyed Susan), photograph by Matt Lavin; CC.

Rudbeckia laciniata

Rudbeckia laciniata (Cutleaf Coneflower, Green-head Coneflower), photograph by yewchan; CC.

Rudbeckia fulgida

Rudbeckia fulgida (Orange Coneflower), photograph by Manuel m. v.; CC.

Rudbeckia triloba

Rudbeckia triloba (Brown-eyed Susan), picture by Carl Lewis; CC.

How to Grow Coneflower, Black-eyed Susan, and other Rudbeckia Plants in the Garden

The seeds of coneflower and related Rudbeckia plants should be sown on the soil surface. Sow a couple of weeks before the last frost of spring is expected.

Ideally the plants should be grown in an area that has good drainage and a heavy soil. A good pH for these plants is slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6 to 7).

Coneflowers can be grown in either sunny or partially shaded areas of the garden. Space Rudbeckia plants out at 35 to 45 cm apart (14 to 18 inches; small Rudbeckia) or 70 to 90 cm (28 to 36 inches) apart for larger Rudbeckia varieties.

If starting off coneflowers indoors, then you will first need to imbibe the coneflower seeds by placing them in a fridge (within soil, in a plastic bag) for two weeks.

The Rudbeckia seeds should be sown about a month and a half before you expect the last frost. They require light and a temperature of 20 to 22 degrees Centigrade (68 to 72°F) to germinate.

Germination of Rudbeckia should take from one to three weeks. Once established plant outdoors after the last frost.

Caring for Coneflower and other Rudbeckia in the garden

Coneflower, Rudbeckia fulgida goldsturm, and similar plants, are easy to look after.

They should be staked, watered frequently, and spent flower heads removed.

It is best to divide Rudbeckia plants every four years to maintain splendid specimens.

If you require more Rudbeckia plants, then they can be propagated by division or by taking cuttings in the spring.

Common Questions

How many members does the Rudbeckia genus contain?

The Rudbeckia genus contains around 23 species of annual, biennial, and perennial plants.

Do Rudbeckia members make a good garden or landscaping plant?

Yes, Rudbeckia species, with their cheerful, daisy-like flowers, are widely used in gardens for summer color and are also great for attracting butterflies.

Which Rudbeckia species are most frequently grown by gardeners?

Two popular species are Rudbeckia hirta (Black-eyed Susan) and Rudbeckia fulgida (Orange Coneflower), loved for their bright, long-lasting blooms.

Are Rudbeckia plants fragrant?

Rudbeckia plants aren't known for their fragrance but are grown primarily for their bright and attractive flowers.

What is the perfect location to grow Rudbeckia?

Rudbeckia plants prefer a sunny spot with well-drained soil. They're very hardy and can tolerate a range of soil conditions.

Is Rudbeckia invasive in the USA, if so in which states?

Presently, Rudbeckia species are not considered invasive in the USA, and many are native to different regions of the country.

How do I remove Rudbeckia plants from my garden?

To remove Rudbeckia, dig up the entire plant, ensuring to remove all roots to prevent regrowth.

Summary

The Rudbeckia genus, commonly referred to as Coneflowers or Black-eyed Susans, contains both annual and perennial species. They are native to North America and are admired for their daisy-like flowers.

Rudbeckia plants prefer full sun and well-drained, moderately fertile soil. They are easy to grow, drought-tolerant, and can be planted in the spring or fall. They are excellent for borders, mass planting, and wildflower gardens.

I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Rudbeckia plants. You may also enjoy the following Gardener's HQ growing guides: How to grow Scotch thistle, Zinnia, Pieris japonica, and Emilia plants.