Rudbeckia maxima

Also Known As

Giant Black-eyed Susan
Swamp Coneflower

Plant type

perennial

size

H: 6'-7'
W: 2'-4'

planting zones

5a-9b

More Options

Rudbeckia maxima plant details

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

CHARACTERISTICS OF Rudbeckia maxima

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: asteraceae
Foliage: deciduous blue
Mature size: 2 FT - 4 FT - wide, 6 FT - 7 FT - tall
Flowers: yellow blooms in fall and summer
Uses: border plant, cutting garden, easy-to-grow, long-blooming, native plant

GROWING CONDITIONS for Rudbeckia maxima

USDA Zones: 5a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Resistant to: deer, heat
Soil needs: average and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

If you love big perennials with dramatic foliage, we'd love to introduce you to Rudbeckia maxima! Known as great coneflower or cabbage leaf coneflower, this species from eastern Texas and adjacent states has huge 18 inch long blue-green leaves topped in mid to late summer by yellow-petaled, black-coned flowers on stems up to seven feet tall. The flowering stems are nearly leafless or with only small leaves which makes for a towering perennial with a great see-through effect. You would normally plant it at the back of the border but trying bringing it forward to the middle or even the front of the border if you're a real anarchist! Loves moisture and heat but is also drought tolerant.

By: Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants Ltd.

It's hard to believe this southern plains wildflower could have been over-looked for so long w its 1-2' powder-blue leaves and 6-7' spikes of large golden coneflowers in late summer; a bright (and hard-to-over-look!) accent. S/M

By: Forestfarm

Grow Cabbage Leaved Coneflower for it's 2-3' clumps of huge powder blue leaves...oh, and the flowers are nice too. In June and July 6-7' stalks erupt with large golden flowers with drooping ray petals. The flowers' green cones will elongate and darken as they age. Deadhead and cut back aging leaves to produce fresh foliage growth.

By: Avant Gardens

The huge, to 6", golden, daisy-like blooms with tall dark brown cones or eyes are held on tall sturdy stems which can grow to 7' or more! A tough and hardy, perennial US Native. Great for butterflies. The large attractive soft, blue-green foliage makes a nice garden accent.

By: Almost Eden

Very tall black eyed susan - ours are about 8 feet. Loads of flowers from top to bottom, mid-summer until frost. Good cut flower.

By: Hoot Owl Hollow Nursery

A stunning landscaping Black-Eyed-Susan. Growing to 7' tall (WOW!), it makes 3' wide clumps of huge, powdery blue leaves giving rise to long, straight stems bearing intense yellow petals surrounding a tall brown cone. Quite Stately! Good drought resistance too and DEER PROOF! Rudbeckias bloom mid-summer to Fall and make very reliable perennials needing very little care.