sweet coneflower
Rudbeckia subtomentosa
USDA zones3 to 8
SunHandles full sun to partial shade
WaterHandles moderate to moist soil
Size3 to 5 feet tall12 to 24 inches wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Yellow rays and brownish purple center disks
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Sweet coneflower (Rudbeckia subtomentosa) is a perennial for borders, pollinator gardens, meadows, and rain gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full sun to part shade and average to moist, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. Bright yellow petals surround a dark brownish purple center, and the blooms attract butterflies, bees, and birds. It is not a favorite of deer, though hungry deer will eat almost anything. The stems reach 3 to 5 feet, so place it toward the back of a bed.
Pairs well with Spotted joe-pye weed, Switchgrass, and Obedient plant.
Native range
Central United States.