Brighten the Landscape with Rudbeckias

The compact size and bright yellow flowers as well as its heat and humidity tolerance won Goldsturm rudbeckia (Rudbeckia fulgida sullivantii ‘Goldsturm’) the title “perennial plant of the year” in 1999. But this is just one of many rudbeckias to consider for your landscape.

Include one of the taller varieties, like Golden Glow (Rudbeckia laciniata ‘Hortensia’), at the back of the border. This statuesque beauty blooms in mid to late summer and tolerates heat and drought once established. Surround it with sturdy neighbors to provide, sometimes, needed support.

Change things up with large coneflower (Rudbeckia maxima). Plant them where you can appreciate the huge blue-green paddle-shaped leaves and yellow flowers that top these 5 to 7 feet tall plants. Leave the seedheads in place for finches to enjoy.

Prairie coneflower (Ratibida pinnata) was moved into the Ratibida genus, but the downward pointing yellow petals and gray cone are reminiscent of its former Rudbeckia relatives.

A bit more information: You’ll enjoy the bees and butterflies visiting the flowers and the birds feeding on the seeds of rudbeckia. Combine them with other pollinator-friendly plants such as Walker’s Low catmint, coneflower, Fireworks goldenrod and native grasses.