large coneflower
Rudbeckia maxima
MBG Plant of Merit 2019
USDA zones4 to 9
SunHandles full sun to partial shade
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size5 to 7 feet tall3 to 4 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Yellow rays surround dark brown center cone
- Foliage color
- Gray-green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Large coneflower (Rudbeckia maxima) is a perennial for borders, pollinator gardens, meadows, and cottage gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 4, or down to -30°F (-34°C). This plant likes full sun to part shade and dry to moist soil of most types. Silvery-blue foliage forms clumps with tall stalks of yellow petals that dangle from brown centers. Deer usually look elsewhere for a meal. Cut it back to the base after blooming to keep it tidy, and plant it in mass for the best effect.
Pairs well with Standing Ovation little bluestem, Big bluestem, and Blue-eyed grass.
Native range
Central and southern United States.