three-lobed coneflower Interesting Notes

Rudbeckia triloba is a bushy, free-flowering, 2-3' (to 5') tall biennial or short-lived perennial that readily self sows and is very effective for naturalizing. It features masses of 1-2” wide, daisy-like, golden-yellow flowers with flat, purplish-brown centers on hairy stems from late summer to early fall. The thin, rough textured upper leaves are oval to lance-shaped and sometimes three-lobed at the base. Performance is best in moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil in full sun. Perfect for an informal garden, it also makes a good cut flower. Plant with Echinacea purpurea, Eutrochium maculatum, Conoclinium coelestinum, Symphyotrichum laeve, and Vernonia novaboracensis. - Mt. Cuba Center

1997 Georgia Gold Medal Winner: Three-lobed Coneflower (Rudbeckia triloba) is a knockout in the late summer landscape with its showy floral display of bright yellow flowers. Like other Rudbeckia species, Three-lobed Coneflower is very drought - heat - and pest-tolerant. It's an excellent choice for rock gardens, banks or other drought-prone sites. Native to the United States, Three-lobed Coneflower is well-adapted to poor soils and requires little care. It's an excep­tional perennial for the low-maintenance gardener.

Plant Characteristics: Three-lobed Coneflower starts bloom­ing about the first week in August, and flowering continues well into September. It blooms a few weeks after Rudbeckia 'Goldsturm' and a month after the species Rudbeckia hirta is past its prime, so it's a great plant for a garden suffering from midsummer blahs! - State Botanical Garden of Georgia, Gold Medal Plant Program

Rudbeckia triloba Growing and Maintenance Tips

Prefers sandy or loamy, moist soils, but is drought resistant. Spreads slowly by rhizomes. Deadhead to prolong blooming season. Propagate by seed, cuttings and division. Cut back to the ground after first frost and mulch to protect roots for the winter. Outstanding in mass plantings, as a border perennial, or in rock or low maintenance gardens.

Good Substitutions

Rudbeckia triloba 'Prairie Glow'