The coneflower is one of the most popular flowering plants and can be found in almost every garden. We give tips on how to care for coneflowers and how to overwinter the richly flowering prairie shrub.
The Rudbeckia (Rudbeckia) or the Coneflower is a hardy, flowering and easy-care perennial. With us you will learn everything about the origin, the properties and the requirements in care.
Coneflower: origin and characteristics
The Rudbeckia, also known as the Coneflower, is native to various habitats in North America. The perennial perennials always prefer fresh to moist biotopes with deep soil, sometimes directly at the water's edge, in savannah areas or mountainous regions up to 2800 m altitude. Rudbeckias have been known and loved in European gardens for centuries. The herbaceous plants, which are between 50 and 300 cm high on average, spread via seeds, rhizomes or root suckers. The dark green leaves of the coneflower are alternate and can be simple to deeply pinnate in shape and smooth, serrated or coarsely toothed at the leaf margin. The daisy family (Asteraceae) form a capitate to bulbous elongated center from numerous, elongated, dark brown tubular flowers, which are framed by colored, long, yellow, orange or reddish-brown colored ray florets. This creates the image of a single flower. Coneflowers flower from July to September. Bees and other insects also find nectar and pollen on coneflowers in late summer and early autumn, making the perennials an important source of food. After pollination, brown-black, elongated, four-edged seeds, the so-called achenes, form. In some species they are provided with a parachute-like appendage, the pappus.
Is the coneflower perennial? The Rudbeckia is perennial. However, some species are much more short-lived than others, such as the October coneflower (Rudbeckia triloba). In our overview we present the most beautiful coneflower types and varieties with their individual characteristics and requirements.
Proper care of coneflowers
When caring for the Rudbeckie, it is particularly important to pay attention to the nutrient and water supply. In the following you can read important information about fertilizing and watering as well as pruning coneflowers.
Cutting sun hat
Rudbeckias should only be cut back to the ground in spring from March just before new shoots start, as the seed-rich inflorescences serve as a food source for numerous birds over the winter. The winter hardiness is not affected by the late pruning, but rather improved. During the flowering period, the coneflowers can be used as long-lasting cut flowers. In order to extend the longevity of the flowering perennials, rudbeckia growing in clumps should be divided every three to four years and moved to another location.
Fertilizing and watering
Coneflowers need a nutrient-rich substrate in order to show vigorous growth and a rich bloom. We recommend a predominantly organic long-term fertilizer, such as our Plantura organic flower fertilizer, to fertilize the coneflower. This is spread around the plant from March onwards when the perennial coneflower starts to sprout again and is lightly worked into the surface and watered for optimal release. After about three months, a second, lower-dosed fertilization takes place. Fertilizing the Rudbeckie should only be done in spring and summer. In autumn, fertilization can reduce the winter hardiness of the perennial and, depending on the weather, not all nutrients can be absorbed.
Rudbeckias depend on a good water supply. They do not withstand prolonged drought and grow stunted or die completely in unsuitable locations. A location that is moist to fresh from the outset should therefore be selected for planting coneflowers. In long-lasting heat and drought, but especially with Rudbeckias in tubs or planters, watering is the main care measure, whereby waterlogging as well as drought should be avoided.
Pests and common care mistakes
In general, Rudbeckias are not very susceptible to diseases or pests. In unfavorable years and especially with weakened plants, genuine and false ones can sporadically appearpowdery mildew and gray mold (Botrytis cinerea) may occur. However, snails can be a big problem on some species like the parachute coneflower (Rudbeckia nitida). Hungry snails can severely damage coneflowers, especially after new planting of young perennials or in spring when the leaves are starting to sprout again. In addition to bait, our Plantura organic slug pellets contain concentrated iron-III-phosphate, which, when used correctly, specifically fights slugs and poses no danger to pets and garden animals. The slug pellets can be applied loosely and widely between April and September after watering the area and protects endangered plants from being bare.
Is the coneflower hardy?
The Rudbeckie is hardy to below -23 °C, some species even to -40 °C. Coneflowers therefore rarely if ever need winter protection, especially since the dead parts of the plant above ground also contribute to winter hardiness and protect the rhizomes and roots from hard frost. However, if Rudbeckia are planted in a pot, winter protection may be necessary, since the small volume of soil can freeze through with the roots. Wrapping it in jute or fleece and a layer of leaves will help to overwinter the coneflower in the pot.
Is the coneflower poisonous?
The coneflower is not poisonous and is also readily accepted as food by herbivorous animals such as rabbits. However, for people with a known allergy to daisy family, there is also a risk of allergic reactions or contact dermatitis with Rudbeckia. In contrast to the false coneflower (Echinacea), the coneflower is not used as a medicinal plant, but only for decoration and is particularly popular in floristry.
Coneflowers are easy to multiply and combine with different perennials. With us you will learn everything about planting and propagating Rudbeckias.