Species sweet coneflower
yellow flowers with black center, green leaves and green stems

sweet coneflower

Rudbeckia subtomentosa

The sweet coneflower is a tall, perennial plant with vibrant yellow flowers. Its distinctive, cone-shaped center is surrounded by attractive petals that droop slightly. Its foliage is coarse and dark green with prominent veins. This species grows best in full sun and is drought tolerant. It's a great addition to gardens and wildflowers meadows, attracting lots of birds and insects. It also does well as a cut flower, adding color to bouquets and arrangements. With its showy blooms and long-lasting flowers, the sweet coneflower is a wonderful way to brighten up your garden!

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Division,Root Cutting,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 8

Flowers:

Yellow rays and brownish purple center disks Flowers

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

watering

The sweet coneflower should be watered once or twice a week during its active growing season. During hot, dry weather, water more often; once every 3 days should be sufficient. When watering, it is important to thoroughly soak the soil, making sure that it is moist throughout the entire root zone. This can extend from 4 to 8 inches deep, depending on the size of the plant. Make sure to avoid overwatering, as well as allowing the soil to dry out completely. Additionally, mulching around the plants can help to reduce water evaporation, keeping the soil moist for longer.

sunlight

Sweet Coneflower needs full sun to partial shade and does best when temperatures are not too hot (as can be found in warmer areas of the United States). It can tolerate both hot and cold temperatures and prefers to be placed in a spot that gets at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight per day, with the most amount of sunshine in the morning. Good air circulation is also important for Sweet Coneflower, as this will help prevent diseases and aid in its growth. If you’re planting in a pot, make sure to use a pot that is large enough and 1 that drains well. Be sure to consistently water Sweet Coneflower, keeping the soil moist but not overly saturated.

pruning

Sweet coneflower (Rudbeckia subtomentosa) is best pruned in early spring, before the plant starts to leaf out. Prune by cutting down the stems to 12”-18” from the ground level. Doing this will encourage stronger branching from the base and promote bushier plants that are better able to withstand summer heat. After pruning, thin out weaker stems and remove any dead, damaged, or diseased stems. Deadheading spent flower blooms during the summer will encourage a second bloom.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Rudbeckia subtomentosa typically starts flowering in late summer, usually in July or August.

Hardiness Map