Rudbeckia maxima (Giant Coneflower)
Giant Coneflower, Great Coneflower, Giant Brown-eyed Susan, Cabbage Coneflower
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.
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Requirements
Hardiness | 4
– 8 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 1
– 8 |
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Rudbeckia |
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) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | 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, Arkansas, Louisiana, South Carolina, Southwest, Oklahoma, Texas |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought |
Attracts | Birds, Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
Michele Dorsey Walfred, Cultivar413, (Flickr)
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.
Requirements
Hardiness | 4
– 8 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 1
– 8 |
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Rudbeckia |
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) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | 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, Arkansas, Louisiana, South Carolina, Southwest, Oklahoma, Texas |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought |
Attracts | Birds, Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |