Rudbeckia subtomentosa (Sweet Coneflower)

A tough prairie plant, Rudbeckia subtomentosa (Sweet Coneflower) is a clump-forming perennial boasting masses of butter-yellow, daisy-like flowers, 2-3 in. across (5-7 cm), adorned with dark chocolate central cones. Blooming from mid-summer to frost, they are borne on branched stems, creating a lovely floral bouquet, and emit a pleasant sweet anise fragrance – thus the common name. Heat and humidity-tolerant, Sweet Coneflower retains its lush deep green foliage and showy blooms in the intense heat of summer when others may struggle. Sweet Coneflower is more long-lived than Rudbeckia hirta (Black-eyed Susan) and Rudbeckia triloba (Brown-eyed Susan) and will persist in the garden for many years. It is taller than Rudbeckia hirta and its flower heads are larger with longer and more abundant ray petals than Rudbeckia triloba.

• Grows up to 3-6 ft. tall (90-180 cm) and 2-3 ft. wide (60-90 cm).
• Thrives in full sun, in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Heat, humidity, clay soils, dry soils, and drought tolerant. Provide good air circulation to avoid powdery mildew.
• Spectacular when massed in drifts, this is an excellent choice for perennial borders, cottage gardens, or naturalizing areas such as prairies or wildflower meadows. The flowers make excellent and long-lasting fresh-cut flowers.
• Low maintenance and pest-free, it is also deer resistant.
• Deadhead spent flowers to promote additional bloom. Cut back in the fall.
• Native to the central United States.