Native Americans - Garden Plants – Rudbeckia

Name - This plant was named for the Swedish botanist, Olaus Rudbeck (1660-1740), a mentor of Carl Linnaeus. Its common name is coneflower but other related species also have this name, such as Echinacea purpurea or purple coneflower which is similar to Rudbeckia with a domed centre but its petals' colours are purple and white. The Rudbeckia is the state flower of Maryland.

Description - Large yellow daisy-like flower head with a domed centre. The petals decline away from the dome as the flower ages.

Origin – North America generally. The Rudbeckia will tolerate moderate drought and a little salt and will also grow in dry to moist soils but prefers a well-drained or loamy spot which will help to deliver one of its most popular features, the extended bloom season. It is teat tolerant and good for ground covering in the UK although it can become invasive in its native habitat, our cold winters and chill springs normally nip this tendency in the bud (literally!). In North America it is noted for attracting both birds and butterflies but here it seems only to appeal to butterflies.

For Decoration - If conditioned, Rudbeckias are great cut flowers with a long vase life. Conditioning means going through a process that seems more like torture than plant care but here it is - place a sheet of cardboard over the top of a deep pan containing water at 100 degrees F or 38 degrees C water. Stab holes in the cardboard to allow the stems of the Rudbeckias to be placed through it and into the water. When the petals are flat and the stem straight, it is ready for the vase! They are also very good as dried flowers.

 

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