Rudbeckia lacinata Herbstsonne’

Rudbeckia ‘Herbstonne’ at Biltmore Estates

For an old fashion plant ‘Herbstsonne’ (Rudbeckia laciniata) still pops up in many modern day gardens. It is a tall upright growing,  clump-forming perennial black-eyed Susan (USDA hardiness zones 5 to 9). This vigorous North American perennial grows 4-7+  feet tall and 2-3 feet wide. ‘Herbstsonne’ is also synonymous with the cultivar  ‘Autumn Sun’. Formerly cataloged as Rudbeckia nitida, many plant experts believe that it is a hybrid between the two species.

Large daisy-like flowers, 3-4 inches across, with drooping sulphur yellow rays petals stand out in the late summer – autumn landscape. Flower centers have elongated bright green long “nubbins” or cone centers. Flowers bloom singly atop slender branching stems. Bright green cutleaf leaves vary in size from 3-6 inches in length and are coarsely toothed. Flowers attract numerous butterflies and winter feeding birds relish their nutritious seeds.

Herbstonne prefers a rich, moist, well-drained soil and mostly full sun. This aggressive perennial tolerates hot and humid summers and exhibits above average drought resistant after its first year in the garden. Tall growing plants, particularly those grown in partially shaded areas, may require staking. Deadheading  old spent flowers encourages additional re-bloom. Herbstonne (aka Autumn Sun) has no serious disease and pests and is deer proof.

Herbstonne spreads slowly by rhizomes. Propagate by seed, division or terminal cuttings. They’re outstanding for inclusion into mass plantings on large properties such as public parks, golf courses, and industrial sites. Include them in border plantings, meadows, prairies, and in rain and cutting gardens. In rain gardens plants cope in average soils and seasonal moisture extremes. Cut flowers will fill vases in your home and friends.

Personal note: Clumps of this aggressive growing rudbeckia are long-lived. I’ve fallen in love with old plantings near the conservatory at Biltmore Estates in Asheville, NC and at Chanticleer Gardens in Wayne, PA. Give ’em lots of room as plants eat up lots of garden space.