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Mertensia virginica en masse.
Mertensia virginica en masse. Photo © Mary Free
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Rudbeckia fulgida (Orange Coneflower)

July Sunny Garden with native perennials including Rudbeckia and Liatris (front) and Eupatorium spp. (Joe-Pye Weed) and white Phlox paniculata (behind). © Mary Free
Rudbeckia fulgida 'Goldsturm' (Orange Coneflower) at Glencarlyn Library
Rudbeckia fulgida (Orange Coneflower, maybe 'Goldsturm') at SImpson Park demonstration Garden
Rudbeckia fulgida (Orange Coneflower) stems and leaves in July
Rudbeckia fulgida (Orange Coneflower) flowers in July
Rudbeckia fulgida (Orange Coneflower) unfolding flower
Rudbeckia fulgida (Orange Coneflower) 'Goldsturm' with leaf cutter bee
Rudbeckia fulgida (Orange Coneflower) 'Goldsturm' fruit in December

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Although sometimes called Black-eyed Susan, this variable species is distinct from biennial Black-eyed Susan, Rudbeckia hirta. Abundant blooms appear mid-summer to fall, each composite flower lasting several weeks. Its native habitat is found in scattered pockets in the Mid-Atlantic Region,* including in Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William Counties. Perennial Clumps, Leaves & Stems, Flowers w/ Pollinators** Height: 11⁄2–31⁄2 feet Spread: 2–21⁄2 feet Bloom Color: Yellow-orange Characteristics Herbaceous perennial forming upright clumps Ovate, sparsely-haired, sparsely-dentate leaves with alate petioles; leaves become smaller and sessile as they ascend variably hairy stems that appear mid- summer; basal foliage may persist through winter Flowers with 10–20 yellow ray florets encircling purple-brown, tubular disk florets bloom July to Oct Rhizomatous or stoloniferous depending on source Attributes Tolerates various soil types (including clay), light shade, drought, heat, humidity, air pollution; no serious pests or diseases; if deer are overpopulated may be more susceptible to damage than R. hirta Winter interest with persistent black fruiting heads Can be used as cut or dried flower Attracts butterflies and other pollinators and birds; larval host to Silvery Checkerspot butterfly Growing and Maintenance Tips Excellent Replacement for Soil Requirements: Average, well-drained Leucanthemum species - Ox-Eye & Shasta Daisies Light Requirements: Sun, Partial Shade Tanacetum species - Tansy Water Requirements: Dry, Moist Zinnia species - Zinnia (annual) Blooms best in sun; deadhead for continued bloom *It is native in DC; historical in the DE Piedmont; and scattered in southeastern counties of PA. In VA, it is frequent in the Pied- mont but infrequent in the mountains and inner Coastal Plain. **Honey bee and pearl crescent butterfly on Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii 'Goldsturm.' The pictured leaves and stems also belong to this prolific, extremely popular cultivar, which, perhaps due to its more compact form, sometimes suffers from angular leaf spot that starts on the lower leaves and can spread upward. Prune to ground late winter; divide early spring Use massed in border, cutting or meadow garden Hardiness: USDA Zones 3–9 developed by Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia, serving Arlington and Alexandria Images by Judy Funderburk (top) and Mary Free, Glencarlyn and Sunny (bottom right) Gardens and by Elaine Mills (middle left), Arlington, VA

Tried and True Native Plant Selections
 for the Mid-Atlantic

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Rudbeckia fulgida (Orange Coneflower)

Although sometimes called Black-eyed Susan, this variable species is distinct from biennial Black-eyed Susan, Rudbeckia hirta. Abundant blooms appear mid-summer to fall, each composite flower lasting several weeks. Its native habitat is found in scattered pockets in the Mid-Atlantic Region,* including in Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William Counties.

*It is native in DC; historical in the DE Piedmont; and scattered in southeastern counties of PA. In VA, it is frequent in the Piedmont but infrequent in the mountains and inner Coastal Plain.

Video © Mary Free
Watch pollinators and a predator on the Rudbeckia fulgida in the Glencarlyn Library Community Garden in July and August while annual cicadas sing in the background. Learn more about Pollinators.

Learn more about other Mid-Atlantic plants: 
Tried and True Native Plant Fact Sheets

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