Rudbeckia maxima - Giant Coneflower - Giant Brown-Eyed Susan

This large variety produces semi-double yellow daisies with tall dark brown center cones in summer, high over cabbage-like, blue-green foliage; an outstanding cut flower; drought tolerant once established; wonderful along borders or in containers

Height: Plant Height: 4 feet. Sun: full sun. Hardiness zone: 4a.

Ornamental features

Giant Coneflower has masses of beautiful semi-double yellow daisy flowers with dark brown eyes at the ends of the stems from early to mid summer, which are most effective when planted in groupings. The flowers are excellent for cutting. Its attractive large oval leaves remain bluish-green in color throughout the season.

Landscape

Giant Coneflower is an herbaceous perennial with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its relatively coarse texture can be used to stand it apart from other garden plants with finer foliage.

This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and should be cut back in late fall in preparation for winter. It is a good choice for attracting birds, bees and butterflies to your yard, but is not particularly attractive to deer who tend to leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Recommended for: Mass Planting, General Garden Use, Naturalizing And Woodland Gardens, Container Planting.

Planting and growing

Giant Coneflower will grow to be about 4 feet tall at maturity extending to 7 feet tall with the flowers, with a spread of 3 feet. When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 24 inches apart. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 1 foot from the ground. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 3 years. As an herbaceous perennial, this plant will usually die back to the crown each winter, and will regrow from the base each spring. Be careful not to disturb the crown in late winter when it may not be readily seen!

This plant should only be grown in full sunlight. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist locations, and should do just fine under typical garden conditions. It is considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for a low-water garden or xeriscape application. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This species is native to parts of North America. It can be propagated by division.

Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder.