Rudbeckia laciniata

An exuberant perennial from the American tall prairies at its very best in the dog days of summer when lesser plants are flagging. Lush mounds of deeply divided, dark green leaves steadily rise through the growing season to be finally topped at the end of summer by elegantly branched heads of long stemmed daisy-like flowers with a green central cone and down swept bright yellow petals. After several weeks of bloom, irreverent of dry heat so long as moisture is available, the petals fall and the attractive cone-like seed heads then remain on display until removed adding height and seasonal interest all winter if desired. Evergreen in Perth but colder regions may find it less so. Easily grown in any soil with lots of sun, unfazed by clay. Water availability during the growing period dictates height but considerable dryness is tolerated, more so after flowering. Self seeds well in over irrigated sites and the seedlings are typically more vigorous than old congested clumps which are probably best divided or even discarded after several years.

The statuesque Green Headed Coneflower is just the ticket for wet soils that challenge most other plants. Unusual green-centered flowers are surrounded by bright yellow petals, on five to eight foot stems. Perfect for soggy soils along streambanks and pond edges. Does best in full sun, but tolerates light shade. Easy to grow from seed, it often blooms in the first year when grown in cultivation. Hardy to Zones 3 - 8.