Rudbeckia laciniata 'Autumn Sun' - Cutleaf Coneflower
DESCRIPTION
Cutleaf Coneflower
Rudbeckia laciniata 'Autumn Sun'
Synonymous with Rudbeckia laciniata 'Herbstsonne'
Monarchs flock to this large growing flowering machine that sports airy clusters of huge, yellow-rayed, green-eyed flowers for 8+ weeks from mid to late summer. Everything about this selection is big and showy from size to bloom to even foliage! It lords over a sunny garden alone or in groups!
BENEFITS
- Long flowering and perfect for cutting
- A monarch magnet in mid to late summer
- Perfect alone or in groups in a large space
- Native songbirds love the seed from spent flowers
- Large form and texture add much to a sunny garden
NATIVE INFO
Native Range
Found in open woods, meadows and pastures.
Map Credit: The Biota of North America
Map Key: Green (native), Teal (native, adventive), Blue (present), Yellow (present & rare), Red (extinct)
INTERESTING FACTS
Rather than filling the bird feeder, you can plant a garden full of bird food starting with this Cutleaf Coneflower. Other native perennials to plant include: Purple coneflower, sunflowers, asters, bee balm, goldenrod and prairie grasses.
GROWING TIPS
Prefers average, medium to moist soils in part to full sun. Tolerates hot, humid summers, but not drought tolerant. Spreads by rhizomes, so give it room to grow. Outstanding in mass plantings, as a back-of-the-border perennial, and in meadow, prairie and cutting gardens.
Mature Size: 5-6' Tall x 3-4' Wide
Hardiness Zone: 5-7
Sun Exposure: Full sun to Part Sun
VIDEO
Coming Soon!Choosing the Right Plants
American Beauties Offer Solution Based Plant Collections to Help you Choose
Quick Tips for Choosing Plants:
- Planting a variety of native trees, shrubs, perennials and vines increases biodiversity and gives wildlife a source for food, cover and nesting
- Choose a mixture of deciduous and evergreen trees so birds and other wildlife will always be able to find shelter
- Plant trees and large shrubs where they will block winter winds from the house and shade it in summer, that will save energy and lower your carbon footprint
- Try your best to buy plants that were grown locally, your independent garden center will be your best bet
- Think about ultimate height and width of the plant you choose, make sure it will fit the space you have for it when it's reached maturity
- Plant nectar plants in groups, to attract butterflies and other beneficial insects more easily
- Ask for help if you need it. Most garden centers either have a landscape designer on staff or they can give you a reference of a designer that is adept at native plant wildlife gardening. There will be upfront costs but they are small when compared to having to redo a landscape that wasn't what you really wanted
Our Plant Tags Hold the Secrets to Success
Choosing the right plants for your garden can seem like a daunting task but we’re here to help. Our horticulturists have spent a considerable amount of time researching and writing our beautiful, American Beauties plant tags to help you be successful. First of all, when you see an American Beauties branded pot at your garden center you can be confident that the plant is native to your area and a responsible choice.
When you look at our tag you’ll find information about the plants natural habitat. That will give you a clue to how it will work in your backyard. For instance if the plant is naturally founded and moist, shade and you have full sun, it’s not the plant for you. The “Features” section gives you an overview or plant description so you’ll know what to expect. While the “Benefits” section talks about the plants strong suits and how the plant will benefit wildlife.
A Special Note About Exposure
Full sun: Prefers six or more hours of direct sunshine a day
Partial shade: Thrives in three to six hours of daily sunshine
Shade: Generally does well with less than three hours of sun per day. Having said that even shade loving plants will struggle in extremely deep shade.
DOWNLOADABLE RESOURCES
Best Plants for Bees - Double sided printout for download
Best Plants for Butterflies - Double sided printout for download