Deam’s Coneflower

A particularly floriferous coneflower, and a little taller than R.f. Goldsturm, Rudbeckia fulgida var. deamii is a clump-forming, herbaceous perennial, with an upright habit, which flowers in late summer and autumn. The rather coarse, oval, roughly hairy leaves are deep green. From August to October, the plant carries rich yellow ‘gappy’ daisy flowers, 3”/7cm wide, surrounding a brownish-black cone; the flowers attract butterflies. Leave the seedheads standing over winter – they’re a favourite food for goldfinches. Deam’s coneflower looks particularly good in broad swathes in a border or prairie planting, and looks wonderful with warm-season grasses. A tough perennial that will grow almost anywhere.

Site: Tolerates exposure
Soil: Any light, moist, well-drained soil; tolerates damp soil
Position: Full sun or partial shade
Season of interest: Late summer to mid-autumn
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Height: 3’ (90cm), often taller Spread: 18” (45cm)

Photos by Ellie Enking and Kenraiz and licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 and 4.0.