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The free-flowering coneflower is one of the most popular autumn perennials. We provide tips on propagating and planting coneflowers in beds and containers.
The Coneflower (Rudbeckia), also called Rudbeckia, is an easy-care and long-flowering perennial. With us you will find out what you should consider when choosing a location, planting and propagation and which companion plants go well with coneflowers.
Plant coneflowers
When planting coneflowers, seeds for growing young plants or larger perennials can be used. Find out below which growing conditions and locations are suitable for coneflowers and how to plant Rudbeckia.
The right place for the coneflower
If you want to plant coneflowers in the garden or on the balcony, you should first choose a suitable place. The ideal location for coneflowers is generally on fairly moist to moist, nutrient-rich and well-drained soil in full sun. You can read about the exact requirements of the different coneflower species in our variety article. When planting coneflowers in pots on balconies and terraces, a nutrient-rich substrate that stores enough moisture should be chosen. Our pre-fertilized and completely peat-free Plantura organic potting soil contains essential nutrients that will take care of your Rudbeckia in the first period after planting. The high compost content stores moisture and releases it to the plant roots when needed. Bentonite can also be added to further increase the water storage capacity.
What is the ideal location for the coneflower?
- Sunny, some species also in partial shade
- Fresh to moist but well-drained soils
- Locations with good nutrient supply
Planting and sowing coneflowers
Perennial perennial coneflowers are available in many nurseries in the standard range. However, some species and varieties are short-lived and are therefore propagated annually from the seeds. The sowingConeflowers are grown indoors from February to mid-April, between April and May it can also be sown directly outdoors when the soil temperatures rise. Plastic bowls or small pots are particularly suitable for growing indoors. Sow the coneflowers loosely on a moist, nutrient-poor potting soil, such as our Plantura Organic Herb & Seed Soil. The seeds are covered 0.5 cm thin with soil. Then it should be carefully watered and covered with a transparent plastic hood to ensure a high level of humidity. On a bright, warm window sill at 18 - 22 °C, the coneflower seeds usually germinate after 14 - 21 days. If the seedlings have formed at least two leaves after a few weeks, they can be pricked out and transplanted individually into small pots with nutrient-rich potting soil.
Sowing of coneflowers at a glance:
- Sow indoors from February, outdoors from April in nutrient-poor potting soil
- Distribute the seeds loosely, cover thinly with 0.5 cm of substrate and water
- Germination at 18 - 22 °C and sufficient light and humidity after 2 - 3 weeks
- Pike out the second pair of leaves in more nutrient-rich potting soil
After growing or buying a Rudbeckia, the question arises: When is the best time to plant coneflowers? The planting time for the perennial perennial coneflowers is in the frost-free periods in late autumn from September to the end of October or from March. Home-grown plants from coneflower seeds, on the other hand, are planted outside after the ice saints in mid-May to June. The planting distance for coneflowers is 25 - 30 cm for annual Rudbeckias and 60 - 90 cm for clump-forming and spreading perennials, depending on the species.
Before you plant coneflowers, a suitable planter or the bed area should be well prepared. In order to successfully cultivate coneflowers in a pot for several years, the pot should hold at least 20 - 30 l of soil. The lowest 5 - 10 cm serve as a drainage layer and are therefore filled with gravel, expanded clay or sand before the potting soil is poured in and lightly compacted. Smaller containers and balcony boxes are also suitable for annual Rudbeckias, as long as they have good drainage. Weeds should be removed from the future planting area in the bed and the soil should be loosened over a large area and about spade-deep. At the same time you can mix lean or sandy soil with mature compostenrich to improve nutrient stores and water retention. Dig a large planting hole with a spade or hand shovel. Then the coneflowers are placed in the ground at the same level as in the pot, pressed down lightly and then watered well.
Tip: Some species such as Rudbeckia nitida are particularly vulnerable to being eaten, so protection against snails may be necessary.
Combining Coneflowers: The Best Companion Plants
Coneflowers are planted as solitary plants or in small groups of three to ten, depending on the species, to show off the richly flowering perennials to their best advantage. Tall and vigorous species such as the giant coneflower (Rudbeckia maxima) or the parachute coneflower (Rudbeckia nitida) are better planted individually. With low perennials such as the October coneflower (Rudbeckia triloba), planting in groups in the bed quickly develops into a veritable sea of flowers without being obtrusive. The bed neighbors are also important. Coneflowers can be combined with staggered flowering plants or grasses in contrasting colors to create a varied border of perennials. The following species are particularly suitable as companion plants for coneflowers:
- Bluenettle (Agastache)
- Vervain (Verbena)
- Grasses: Moor-grass (Molinia), Mosquito Grass (Bouteloua gracilis), Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum ), Quaking Grass (Briza media)
- Autumn Taster (Aster)
- Indian nettle (Monarda)
- Larkspur (Delphinium)
- Sage species (Salvia)
- Mock Coneflower (Echinacea)
- Sun Bride (Helenium)
- Cranesbill (Geranium)
Increase coneflowers
Coneflowers can be propagated by seeds, division or, as with some varieties of Rudbeckia hirta, by rhizome tubers. The simplest and guaranteed varietal method is the division of the perennial perennial clumps. This takes place in early spring for new shoots from mid-February to the end of March. A not too small section with good rooting is cut off with a sharp spade, dug up and used in a suitable location. Alternatively, you can dig out and transplant the rhizomes of bulbous coneflower species without damaging them.
In late autumn from September to November you can even harvest coneflower seeds. Although these are often not of the same variety when other Rudbeckias are in the area, they can be easily collected and stored. Annual coneflowers begin to die off in late fall. Dry seed pods are cut off from the browning plants. In the house, they are allowed to dry for a few weeks at room temperature. The elongated seeds usually fall out of the conical flower heads by themselves. Then store the coneflower seeds in a dark, dry and cool place.
In addition to Rudbeckias, numerous other perennials bloom until late autumn. We present the 10 most beautiful autumn flowers for your garden.