Coneflower Tall 'Herbstsonne'

Rudbeckia laciniata 'Herbstsonne' (translated as 'Autumn Sun') is a towering and majestic perennial that brings a golden glow to the late summer and autumn garden. It produces large, bright yellow daisy-like flowers with distinctive, reflexed petals and prominent green central cones that eventually turn brownish-yellow. The flowers are held on very tall, sturdy stems that can reach up to 2m or more, yet they surprisingly rarely need staking if grown in a relatively sheltered spot. The foliage is a handsome mid-green and deeply lobed. It is fully hardy (H7) and a very reliable performer. It thrives in full sun but will tolerate light partial shade, and it prefers a soil that is moisture-retentive but well-drained. Because of its height, it is best suited to the very back of a large border. It is highly attractive to bees and butterflies. At the end of the season, the seed heads can be left to provide winter food for birds and structural interest, then cut back to the ground in early spring. It is a classic plant for adding late-season height and drama.

Sun: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Moist but well-drained, fertile soil.

Hardiness: H7 — below −20°C.

Flowering: Aug, Sep, Oct.