• perennial
• easy, deer resistant
• adapts to most soils
• tough plant that will withstand some drought but prefers moist soil in sun to semi shade
• blooms late August September for fall interest
• grows to height of between 6′ to 10′
• great plant for back of border
• combines well with Globe Thistle
• ‘the varieties ‘Hortensia’ and ‘Goldquelle’ have double fluffy flowers

Such an easy cold tolerant plant, that it often appeared around prairie out houses – hence one of its names. This Rudbeckia is an old fashioned perennial often seen on old homesteads and or growing wild where a homestead once stood. It has also be called Golden Rod but it is not anything like Golden Rod other than, it is yellow. Also known as Green-Headed Coneflower, Golden Glow and Cutleaf Coneflower. It may have gone out of favour because of its unwieldiness, growing tall and spreading easily. It seems to be making a comeback however, as I have seen it mentioned several times lately. For a cottage garden look, this a great plant for the back of the border although it may need some support or containment.

Rudbeckia lacienata combines well with the steely blue Globe Thistles and Erigerons. In my border it looks good close to my tall red Bergamots and tall blue Monkshoods. This Rudbeckia also makes a good cutflower. My photos are mostly of the simple Rudbeckia lacienata but varieties such as ‘Hortensia’ or ‘Goldquelle’ carry a double more fluffy flower.

Above: Rudbeckia lacienta in my garden, in a small arrangement and the more fluffy ‘Hortensia’ at Fort Steele Heritage Town.