Tall Coneflower, Cutleaf Coneflower
rudbeckia laciniata
Also known as: ["Green-headed Coneflower","Ox-eye Daisy"]
Overview
A tall, herbaceous perennial native to North America, known for its distinctive yellow flowers with green centers and deeply lobed leaves.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Rudbeckia |
| Botanical Name: | Rudbeckia laciniata |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden beds or containers in partial shade to full sun
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderately well-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Rich, loamy soil with good organic matter; well-draining but moisture-retentive.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Deadhead spent flowers regularly during blooming season; prune lightly in early spring to remove dead or damaged stems.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary to control size or shape.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates partial shade, especially in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to full sun if moved from shade; protect from intense midday sun in hot regions; ensure good air circulation to prevent mildew in shaded areas.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plants for even growth; use shade cloth in extreme heat; morning sun is preferable to afternoon sun.
Watering
every 7–10 days, more frequently in hot, dry conditions
Water thoroughly but allow soil to dry slightly between waterings; avoid overhead watering to prevent leaf diseases; ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
Soil
rich, moist, well-draining loam
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; enrich with organic matter; maintain consistent moisture.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); tolerates heat but may require more water in high temperatures.
Protect from frost; water more in heat; adjust sunlight exposure seasonally.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth
Fertilize lightly; avoid over-fertilizing; apply before rainfall or water thoroughly after fertilizing.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in moist medium.
- Keep humid and warm.
Best Time: Early spring or late summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also root in water initially.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 2–4 weeks; plants may take 2–3 months to establish.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium, plastic wrap or propagator.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain high humidity; keep out of direct sun.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Deadhead by cutting just above a leaf node; shape by trimming back stems to encourage branching.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove spent flowers to prolong blooming.
Tools
Pruning shears, gloves, clean cutting tools.
Checklist
Use clean tools; cut at an angle; remove dead or diseased growth; avoid over-pruning.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure the new pot has drainage holes.
Method
Gently remove the plant; trim any dead or crowded roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; beneficial for container-grown plants to refresh soil and provide more space.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil mix; trim roots if necessary; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the base; ensure drainage; avoid wetting foliage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, focusing on the root zone; apply water slowly to allow deep penetration; ensure excess water drains away to avoid waterlogging; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal growth.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during active growth, increasing frequency to twice weekly in hot, dry periods; reduce watering in winter to once every 2–3 weeks.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and structure; incorporate perlite or sand for better drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth in extreme heat; leaf drop or frost damage in cold temperatures.
Cold Stress
Leaves may turn brown or black; growth slows or halts; plant may become more susceptible to diseases.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base to insulate roots; move potted plants indoors or to a sheltered location; cover plants with frost cloth during cold snaps.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; flowers may fade quickly; plant may stop blooming.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in early spring; dilute liquid fertilizer; avoid high nitrogen.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; apply a liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength monthly during growing season; avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers to prevent excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicRudbeckia laciniata is not considered toxic to cats. However, ingestion of large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal upset due to the plant's fibrous content and potential irritant properties.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic unless ingested in large quantities
Dogs
Non-toxicRudbeckia laciniata is not considered toxic to dogs. However, ingestion of large amounts may lead to mild gastrointestinal upset due to the plant's fibrous nature and potential irritant effects on the digestive tract.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic unless ingested in large quantities
Humans
Non-toxicRudbeckia laciniata, commonly known as Cutleaf Coneflower, is not considered toxic to humans under normal circumstances. However, ingestion of large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort due to its high fiber content and potential irritant properties.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic unless ingested in large quantities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How tall does Rudbeckia laciniata grow?
A: It can grow up to 6 feet tall under optimal conditions.
Q: Does it require full sun?
A: Yes, it thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Q: Is it deer resistant?
A: It has moderate resistance to deer, but they may occasionally browse on it.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, more freque |
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