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Phlox Subulata (moss pink) in landscape. Photo © Elaine Mills
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Rudbeckia fulgida (Orange Coneflower)

Rudbeckia fulgida (Orange Coneflower) stems and leaves in July
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
Borne singly or in corymbiform arrays, this radiate head of Rudbeckia fulgida (orange coneflower) with yellow pollen in a star pattern visible on peripheral disk florets, hosts a sweat bee (maybe Augochlora pura) in July.
Rudbeckia fulgida (Orange Coneflower) with phyllaries subtending 10–20 yellow-orange ray florets unfolding to reveal the purple-brown central disk in August
Rudbeckia fulgida (Orange Coneflower, maybe 'Goldsturm') at SImpson Park demonstration Garden
Rudbeckia fulgida (Orange Coneflower) in the landsc ape in Rockville, Maryland in August.
Rudbeckia fulgida (Orange Coneflower) in a residential landscape in Alexandria, Virginia in August.
Rudbeckia fulgida (Orange Coneflower) 'Goldsturm' fruit in December

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Rudbeckia fulgida Orange Coneflower Tried and True Native Plant Selections for the Mid-Atlantic Although sometimes called Black-eyed Susan, this variable coneflower species* is distinct from biennial Black-eyed Susan, Rudbeckia hirta. Abundant blooms appear mid-summer to fall; each composite flower lasts several weeks, its color “shining brightly” as reflected in its epithet. Perennial Flowers en Masse & w/ Bee,** Foliage,** Fruit Height: 11⁄2–31⁄2 feet Spread: 2–21⁄2 feet Bloom Color: Yellow-orange Characteristics Herbaceous perennial forming upright clumps Lanceolate basal and lower cauline leaves adaxially scabrous and sparsely dentate with alate, sometimes clasping petioles becoming reduced or sessile as they ascend variably hairy stems; basal foliage may persist Flowers with 10–20 yellow ray florets encircling purple-brown, tubular disk florets bloom July–Oct; cypselae with low-crowned to inconspicuous pappi Spreads by stolons whose apices form rosettes 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, other pollinators, birds; larval host to ~20 lepidopterans incl. Silvery Checkerspot 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 *Rudbeckia fulgida var. fulgida is native in DC; rare/historical in the DE Piedmont; rare in MD; and scattered in southeastern PA. In VA, it is frequent in the Piedmont and infrequent in the mountains and inner Coastal Plain. In NoVA, it is absent in Arlington County. 
 **Leafcutter bee and foliage appear on Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii ‘Goldsturm,’ a prolific, popular cultivar. It is more compact but more susceptible to angular leaf spot, which starts on lower leaves and spreads upward, esp. if air circulation is poor, water sits on the leaves, and dead foliage is not removed in fall. Prune to ground late winter; divide early spring Use massed in border, cutting, or meadow garden Hardiness: USDA Zones 3a–9b developed by Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia, serving Arlington and Alexandria Images by Judy Funderburk (top) and Mary Free, Glencarlyn Library Community Garden and 
 by Elaine Mills (middle left), private garden, 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 coneflower species* is distinct from biennial Black-eyed Susan, Rudbeckia hirta. Abundant blooms appear mid-summer to fall; each composite flower lasts several weeks, its color “shining brightly” as reflected in its epithet.

*Rudbeckia fulgida var. fulgida is native in DC; rare/historical in the DE Piedmont; rare in MD; and scattered in southeastern PA. In VA, it is frequent in the Piedmont and infrequent in the mountains and inner Coastal Plain. In NoVA, it is absent in Arlington County. You can view the VA counties in which it has been reported here.

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