Photo of Rudbeckia subtomentosa flower by Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Photo by Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Used with permission, all rights reserved.

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Rudbeckia subtomentosa

Also Known As

  • Sweet Black-Eyed Susan
  • Sweet Coneflower

Plant type

perennial

size

  • H: 4'-6'
  • W: 4'

planting zones

  • 4a-10b

More Options

Rudbeckia subtomentosa plant details

Rudbeckia subtomentosa is a broadleaf deciduous perennial with green foliage. In fall and summer yellow flowers emerge. Attracts bees and butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun and even moisture - regular water. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Rudbeckia subtomentosa

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: asteraceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 4 FT wide, 4 FT - 6 FT - tall
Flowers: yellow blooms in fall and summer
Uses: clumping, cutting garden, easy-to-grow, fragrant, native plant

GROWING CONDITIONS for Rudbeckia subtomentosa

USDA Zones: 4a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Resistant to: heat
Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Large lemon-yellow, brown-eyed flowers and downy lavender-scented leaves make this lusty, 2-6' wildflower a delightful addition to any moist woodland. S-PSh/M-W
A Midwestern prairie girl that delivers outstanding flower power along with unwavering fortitude, this taller Black-Eyed Susan cousin is named for her anise-scented daisies. Radiant yellow petals surround purple-brown domed centers creating a buoyant sea of color all summer long. Perfectly branched for bouquets, the sturdy, straight-backed stems host toothed, deep green lush-looking leaves sporting downy undersides.
Rudbeckia subtomentosa is tough, beautiful and it conquers clay soils! While other plants fold in the heat of summer, Sweet Black Eyed Susan retains its luxuriant deep green foliage and butter-yellow blooms with shimmering red-brown centers. Give it clay, or any reasonably rich soil and it will reward you with years of beautiful flowers! Hardy to Zones 4 - 8.
This vigorous native produces masses of black-eyed golden yellow daisies from mid-summer to fall on tall sturdy stems. A vigorous clump forming perennial common to stream banks and moist areas but will do fine in average garden soils. The sweetly scented foliage gives it its common name. A good choice for the back of the border. Along with 'Herbstonne', the Sweet Coneflower is one of the latest to flower. This Rudbeckia is unusual in that it will grow and flower quite well even under deciduous shade. These Rudbeckias are good for attracting smaller butterflies and it seems that the Red Banded Hairstreak is one to find its nectar attractive.
One of the SHOWIEST of all the Rudbeckias, this one is also very FRAGRANT, and among the toughest. While many other plants fold during Summer heat, “Sweet Black-Eyed Susan” effortlessly maintains its luxuriant deep green foliage. From July till frost, it produces an abundance of glowing, yellow flowers with reddish-brown centers. Growing 4’ to 6’ tall, it adapts well to any reasonably rich soil, including loam, CLAY and rich sand. Outstanding in the perennial garden, making loads of cut flowers. Highly recommended.

By: Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Gardening facts about Rudbeckia subtomentosa plant

How to Grow Rudbeckia subtomentosa

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture - regular
  • Soil Needs

    • adaptable
    • average
    • well-drained
    • rich
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • yellow
  • Wildlife

    • bees
    • butterflies
  • Flower Season

    • summer
    • fall
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous

See other plant types of Rudbeckia for your garden

aka Rudbeckia laciniata 'Autumn Sun', Rudbeckia laciniata 'Herbstsonne', Rudbeckia nitada 'Herbstsonne', Autumn Sun Black Eyed Susan, Autumn Sun Coneflower, Herbstsonne Black-eyed Susan

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

3a-10b

Size

Height: 5'-7'

Width: 2'-3'

  • sun - mostly sun
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Rudbeckia 'Herbstonne' flower by Almost Eden
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aka Rudbeckia purpurea, Eastern Purple Cone Flower, Purple Cone Flower

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

3a-10b

Size

Height: 24"-48"

Width: 18"-40"

  • sun
  • occasional - drought tolerant
Photo of Echinacea purpurea form by Panayoti Kelaidis
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aka Cherry Brandy Black-eyed Susan

Plant Type

Perennial, Annual / Biennial

Zones

4a-9b

Size

Height: 2'-24"

Width: 2'-3'

  • sun
  • even moisture
Photo of Rudbeckia hirta 'Cherry Brandy' flower by Anna Kullgren
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aka Henry Eilers Sweet Coneflower, Sweet Black-eyed Susan, Sweet Coneflower

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

4a-8b

Size

Height: 3'-5'

Width: 2'-3'

  • sun
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Rudbeckia subtomentosa 'Henry Eilers' flower by Dancing Oaks Nursery
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aka Rudbeckia gloriosa 'Prairie Sun', Gloriosa Coneflower, Gloriosa Daisy, Prairie Sun Black-eyed Susan, Yellow Ox-eye Daisy

Plant Type

Perennial, Annual / Biennial

Zones

4a-10a

Size

Height: 2'

Width: 2'

  • sun - mostly sun
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Rudbeckia hirta 'Prairie Sun' flower by Annie's Annuals & Perennials
View Plant

More Options

+49 more Rudbeckia
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