
Rudbeckia spp.
Hardy border perennial grown for bold yellow and orange daisy flowers. In the UK it flowers well in a sunny, free-draining spot and makes a good cut flower if you keep deadheading through the season.
Step-by-step instructions for growing Rudbeckia
Plant young plants around 13th February - 14th April in a sunny, free-draining spot. Set them at the same depth they were in the pot, space them apart, and water in thoroughly straight after planting.
Keep the soil evenly moist from 15th March through 12th April while the roots settle. Water at the base in dry spells, especially in containers, but avoid leaving the compost sodden.
Start deadheading from 29th May and keep going until 6th October. Remove faded blooms back to a side shoot or leaf joint to keep the plant flowering for longer.
After flowering finishes, cut back tired stems from 22nd September to 5th November. Leave the crown intact and trim to tidy growth rather than cutting hard into the base.
Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with Rudbeckia.
Companion planting can deter pests, improve pollination, and make better use of space. Some plants confuse pests or attract beneficial insects; others improve soil or offer shade to neighbours that need it.
Popular varieties of Rudbeckia to consider
Compact, well-known perennial with rich golden yellow flowers and a long flowering season.
Large yellow flowers with a green centre, good for cutting and late colour.
Deep red to burgundy flowers on sturdy stems, often grown as a short-lived perennial or annual in the UK.