Culture: Best grown in medium moisture soils that are well-drained loams in full sun. Tolerates hot and humid summers and some drought. Appreciates good air circulation. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage additional bloom.
Noteworthy Characteristics: Rudbeckia subtomentosa, commonly called sweet coneflower, is a Missouri native, nonrhizomatous perennial which occurs on moist prairies, along streambanks and in low areas throughout the State. Typically grows 3-5′ tall and features daisy-like flowers (to 3″ across) with yellow rays and dark brownish-purple center disks on branched stems. Flowers have a mild aroma of anise, hence the common name. Toothed, gray-green leaves (lower leaves are 3-lobed) are downy below. Long summer-to-early-fall bloom period.
Genus name honors Olof Rudbeck (1630-1702) Swedish botanist and founder of the Uppsala Botanic Garden in Sweden where Carl Linnaeus was professor of botany. Specific epithet means downy below for the hairs on the underside of leaves.
Problems: No serious insect or disease problems. Powdery mildew may appear. Taller plants may need some support, particularly if grown in part shade.
Garden Uses: Borders, cottage gardens, prairies, meadows, native plant gardens or naturalized areas. Good cut flower.
All plant information courtesy of the Missouri Botanical Garden
Black-eyed Susan and Brown-eyed Susan are biennial or short-lived but Sweet Black-eyed Susan will persist for many years. A very tough prairie plant, it is able to withstand high winds and tough soils. For this reason we include it in our Classic Tallgrass Prairie Potted Plant Kit and our Tallgrass Exposed Clay Seed Mix. Populations of Sweet Black-eyed Susan are found in states bordering the Mississippi River. In these states, typical habitats include wet or mesic prairies, savannas, woodland borders, and ditch or creek banks.
Numerous flowers, which average 3″ across, will bloom for many weeks starting late summer and into fall. The leaves have a pleasant sweet smell, similar to that of Sweet Grass, thus the common name. The large, composite flowers are largely unscented but attract many different bees, beetles, butterflies, and skippers.
Price range: $6.00 through $12.00
