Rudbeckias in Barr's Cottage
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.
Growing Guide
Step-by-step instructions for growing Rudbeckia
Planting Calendar
Plant Out
17 Feb – 18 AprPlant young plants around 17th February - 18th 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.
Water Until Established
19 Mar – 16 AprKeep the soil evenly moist from 19th March through 16th April while the roots settle. Water at the base in dry spells, especially in containers, but avoid leaving the compost sodden.
Deadhead Flowers
2 Jun – 29 SeptStart deadheading from 2nd June and keep going until 29th September. Remove faded blooms back to a side shoot or leaf joint to keep the plant flowering for longer.
Cut Back Stems
15 Sept – 29 OctAfter flowering finishes, cut back tired stems from 15th September to 29th October. Leave the crown intact and trim to tidy growth rather than cutting hard into the base.
Companion Plants
Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with Rudbeckia.
Good companions
Plants to avoid
Why companion planting matters
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.
Suggested Varieties
Popular varieties of Rudbeckia to consider
Goldsturm
Compact, well-known perennial with rich golden yellow flowers and a long flowering season.
Prairie Sun
Large yellow flowers with a green centre, good for cutting and late colour.
Cherry Brandy
Deep red to burgundy flowers on sturdy stems, often grown as a short-lived perennial or annual in the UK.
Related Plants
Explore similar plants you might like
Basil
Basil is a fragrant, tender herb whose leaves are a staple of summer cooking. Native to tropical regions, basil is treated as an annual in temperate climates like the UK because it cannot tolerate frost. It thrives in warm, sunny conditions and can be grown in garden beds or pots for a steady supply of fresh, flavourful leaves throughout the summer.
Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are a hardy winter brassica (cabbage family) that form sturdy, leafy stems often around 60–90cm tall. They produce edible mini-cabbage buds along the stem from autumn through winter. Thanks to their cold tolerance, sprouts remain productive into late winter, and frost actually improves their sweetness.
Calabrese
Calabrese (broccoli) produces a large central head of tightly-packed green buds, followed by smaller side-shoots after the main head is cut. It’s a cool-season brassica crop. Grow it in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil and keep plants watered during dry spells. Harvest the heads while firm, then leave the stem in the ground to allow side-shoots to develop.