I expect my Rudbeckia to be well behaved 3 foot high plants. These Rudbeckia laciniata ‘Herbstone’ (AGM) were in excellent fettle in the late autumn sunshine and with a bit of support were growing 6-7 feet high in a compact clump. The upright branching stems and bright yellow ray-florets make ideal cut flowers.
I particularly like the conical floret discs that will form the seed heads, they look good in this photograph.

Rudbeckia fulgida is one of the genus of approximately 20 species of annuals, biennials and perennials grown from small rhizomes.

Rudbeckia was named after the founder of the Uppsala botanic garden in Sweeden Olof Rudbeck (1630-1702).

Rudbeckia are fairly easy to grow

• Full sun or partial shade
• Well drained, moderately fertile, moisture retentive soil.
• Moderate staking may be required for some of the taller flowering varieties.
• Spreads at a steady rate.
• The plant can be divided in autumn time to increase number of plants
• Can be susceptible to slug damage when the plants are young
• Sow perennial seed in a cold frame in early spring, or divide in autumn. Annuals can be sown in spring in gentle heat.

Rudbeckia is a favourite of the cottage garden.

Rudbeckia comes from the family Asteraceae whose members are commonly known as coneflowers; the others are Echinacea, Dracopis and Ratibida.

The variety Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullvantii ‘Goldsturm is a favourite of gardeners for its very long flowering period.
<h3>Rudbeckia Doubles</h3>

Double Rudbeckia are the exception rather than the rule but you can grow them from seed and astound the neighbours. Here are three varieties to order now and grow as annuals for next year.

Goldilocks has a real wow with a pale green centre and bright yellow petals. The cone of most Rudbeckias is far less pronounced but you still get a profusion of blooms.
Cherokee Sunset a Rudbeckia hirta about 2 foot tall in flower. The flowers are shaggy masses of orange and burnt red for the late summer border.
Maya is 10 inches tall but has a double flower that can be 5-6 inches across in Golden Yellow

Maya from Suttons

Other Resources

Royal Horticultural Society RHS ‘Gardening for All’
National Council for Conservation of Plants and Gardens ‘Conservation through Cultivation.’
Garden Organic National Charity for Organic Gardening.
BBC Gardening
Rudbeckia annuals
Rudbeckia speciosa