Coneflower 'Herbstonne'

Rudbeckia laciniata 'Herbstonne' (also known as 'Autumn Sun') is a towering and magnificent perennial that can reach heights of up to 2 metres or more. It is a perfect choice for the back of a large border, where it provides a dramatic burst of late-season colour. It produces large, bright lemon-yellow daisy-like flowers with distinctively reflexed petals and a prominent, green central cone. The foliage is deeply lobed and attractive, forming a substantial clump. Despite its great height, 'Herbstonne' is remarkably sturdy and rarely requires staking, although it can benefit from some support in very windy sites. It thrives in full sun or partial shade and prefers a moist but well-drained, fertile soil. It is fully hardy (H7) and generally pest-free. The flowers are a magnet for bees and butterflies in the late summer and autumn. Its size and longevity make it a real standout plant that provides structure and cheer to the garden when many other plants are beginning to fade. It is truly a giant of the autumn border.

Sun: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Moist but well-drained, fertile soil.

Hardiness: H7 — below −20°C.

Flowering: Aug, Sep, Oct.