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Rudbeckia maxima (Giant Coneflower)

Giant Coneflower, Great Coneflower, Giant Brown-eyed Susan, Cabbage Coneflower

Rudbeckia maxima, Giant Coneflower, Great Coneflower, Giant Brown-eyed Susan, Cabbage Coneflower, Tall Coneflower, Tall Rudbeckia
Rudbeckia maxima, Giant Coneflower, Great Coneflower, Giant Brown-eyed Susan, Cabbage Coneflower, Tall Coneflower, Tall Rudbeckia
Rudbeckia maxima, Giant Coneflower, Great Coneflower, Giant Brown-eyed Susan, Cabbage Coneflower, Tall Coneflower, Tall Rudbeckia
Rudbeckia maxima, Giant Coneflower, Great Coneflower, Giant Brown-eyed Susan, Cabbage Coneflower, Tall Coneflower, Tall Rudbeckia

Rudbeckia maxima (Giant Coneflower) is a tall herbaceous perennial boasting bright yellow daisy flowers from mid-summer to early fall. This late flowering Coneflower features large daisy blossoms, 3 in. across (7 cm), with broad, drooping, glowing golden petals surrounding a prominent dark-brown center cone that can reach 2-6 in. in height (6-15 cm). Attractive to butterflies and pollinating insects, the blossoms rise atop sparsely leaved flower stalks above a mound of large, smooth, blue-gray leaves. Its attractive seedheads further extend its season of interest and will be visited in the fall and winter by birds that will feast on them. Native to moist sunny prairies, meadows, pastures, and fields in Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and South Carolina, Giant Coneflower is an easy-going perennial that tolerates light shade, heat, some drought, and a wide range of soils. Great along a sunny border, in a cutting, pollinator, or cottage garden, or in a meadow or naturalized area.

  • Grows up to 6-8 ft. tall (180-240 cm) and 4 ft. wide (90 cm). Will self-seed and spread via underground rhizomes.
  • Performs best in full sun or light shade in deep, moist, well-drained soils. Drought tolerant once established.
  • Great at the back of borders, in cottage gardens, or in prairies and meadows.
  • No serious pest or disease issues. Moderately deer resistant.
  • Deadhead spent flowers to encourage additional bloom.
  • Propagate by division in spring or autumn.
  • Native to Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and South Carolina.

Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 8
Heat Zones 1 - 8
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Compositae
Genus Rudbeckia
Common names Giant Brown-eyed Susan, Coneflower
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Mid, Late), Fall
Height 6' - 8' (180cm - 240cm)
Spread 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spacing 36" (90cm)
Maintenance Average
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Native Plants United States, Southeast, Southwest, Arkansas, Louisiana, South Carolina, Oklahoma, Texas
Tolerance Drought, Deer
Attracts Birds, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow, Informal and Cottage, City and Courtyard
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Rudbeckia hirta ‘Goldilocks’ (Black-Eyed Susan)
Rudbeckia hirta ‘Irish Eyes’ (Black-Eyed Susan)
Rudbeckia triloba ‘Blackjack Gold’ (Brown-Eyed Susan)
Rudbeckia fulgida ‘American Gold Rush’ (Black-Eyed Susan)
Rudbeckia hirta ‘Amarillo Gold’ (Black-Eyed Susan)
Dracopis amplexicaulis (Clasping Coneflower)

Recommended Companion Plants

Monarda fistulosa (Wild Bergamot)
Penstemon digitalis (Foxglove Beardtongue)
Aster novae-angliae (New England Aster)
Veronicastrum virginicum (Culver’s Root)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

20 Spring Wildflowers to Create a Dazzling Garden
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For the Love of Butterflies: Best Flowers to Attract them to Your Garden
6 Reasons You Should Create a Butterfly Garden
25 Types of Daisies You Should Grow
Best Annual Flowers For Your Vegetable Garden
Rudbeckia hirta (Black-Eyed Susan)
Rudbeckia fulgida (Black-Eyed Susan)
Black-Eyed Susan: Plant Care and Growing Guide
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 8
Heat Zones 1 - 8
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Compositae
Genus Rudbeckia
Common names Giant Brown-eyed Susan, Coneflower
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Mid, Late), Fall
Height 6' - 8' (180cm - 240cm)
Spread 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spacing 36" (90cm)
Maintenance Average
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Native Plants United States, Southeast, Southwest, Arkansas, Louisiana, South Carolina, Oklahoma, Texas
Tolerance Drought, Deer
Attracts Birds, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow, Informal and Cottage, City and Courtyard
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Rudbeckia
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Rudbeckia
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Compare Now

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