Rudbeckia yellow-orange - Goldilocks

Rudbeckia hirta - Goldilocks

Originates from North America. There are many known varieties of this plant, about forty in its homeland, but in our conditions, the most widespread are Echinacea purpurea and Echinacea angustifolia. The plant typically grows 80 – 100 cm tall. The entire perennial is hairy. The flowers are large and striking, with a prominent disc. They are about 10 cm wide.

Purple coneflower (Rudbeckia purpurea) is the most commonly cultivated. Less frequently grown is narrow-leaved coneflower (Echinacea angustifolia). It is characterized by narrower leaves, shorter and curled petal rays, and a taproot. Shiny coneflower (Rudbeckia nitida) is a magnificent yellow-orange flowering perennial suitable for both standalone and mixed beds. Hairy coneflower (Rudbeckia hirta) is a popular annual or short-lived perennial, growing up to 90 cm tall. The flowers are yellow, orange-yellow, or brown-red streaked. Orange coneflower (Rudbeckia fulgida) is among the most valuable garden perennials. It grows to 70 - 120 cm but is sturdy. It blooms relatively late, with the main flowering period in August to September. The truly giant growth and massive gray-green leaves will draw attention to great coneflower (Rudbeckia maxima). Expect it to easily reach 2.5 m.

Coneflower contains a wide spectrum of active compounds – flavonoids, polyacetylene compounds, polysaccharides, terpene hydrocarbons, and vitamins.

Coneflowers combine beautifully with phlox or snakeroot. Ornamental grasses are also suitable; the combination of coneflower with sedge or millet works very well. They are suitable for both mixed and standalone plantings.

How to Grow Coneflowers

• Requires a sunny location. Tolerates drought. Water only during severe drought. Coneflower can also be grown in a container, but requires annual repotting. In garden beds, we grow it as a perennial.

• Sow seeds in March in a cold frame or indoors by a window. The ideal germination temperature is approximately 16-18 °C. Plant seedlings at a distance of about 60 cm in early spring. Small plants usually bloom in the following year.

• Requires drier, well-draining soil.

• The plant does not require fertilizing.

• Young plants are particularly threatened by slugs; also watch out for aphids. During prolonged rain, powdery mildew or gray mold may occur. Treat affected plants with special fungicides. Sometimes plants are threatened by nematodes, which can be eliminated by planting marigolds near the coneflowers.

• Leaves and flowers can be harvested from the second year onwards.