Orange Coneflower
rudbeckia fulgida
Also known as: ["Black-eyed Susan","Orange coneflower"]
Overview
A perennial wildflower native to North America, known for its bright orange-yellow daisy-like flowers with dark brown centers.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","disease resistant","deer resistant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Rudbeckia |
| Botanical Name: | Rudbeckia fulgida |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden beds, borders, or containers in 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 grown in very dry indoor conditions
- Drainage: Well-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Rich, loamy soil with good organic matter content.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Deadhead regularly during flowering; cut back annually in late fall or early spring.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; heavy pruning may reduce flowering the following season.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates partial shade but may produce fewer blooms.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot climates; ensure adequate air circulation to prevent fungal issues.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyModerate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate pots for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to filter intense sun; place outdoor plants in a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade if needed.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in dormant periods
Water at the base to avoid foliage wetting; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; avoid overwatering.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with moderate organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; amend with organic matter; avoid compacted soil.
Temperature
Prefers 65–75°F (18–24°C) during the growing season; tolerates heat but benefits from cooler nights.
Protect from frost; avoid placing near heat sources; maintain consistent temperatures for optimal growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer with balanced liquid fertilizer
Fertilize sparingly; avoid fertilizing during extreme temperatures; water after fertilizing to distribute nutrients.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division of clumps in spring or fall.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone (optional).
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Early spring or fall when the plant is not in active bloom.
Environment
Warm, humid conditions with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also root in water initially.
Hormone
Optional but recommended for faster rooting.
Timeline
Roots develop in 2–4 weeks; plants may take a full season to establish.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, pots, well-draining medium.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain humidity with a plastic cover; avoid direct sunlight during rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip spent blooms just above a leaf node; cut back stems to 3–6 inches in fall or spring.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming; cut back in late fall or early spring to maintain shape and vigor.
Tools
Hand pruners, gloves, clean shears.
Checklist
Wear gloves; sterilize tools; deadhead regularly; cut back in fall or spring; compost spent foliage.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.
Method
Gently remove the plant; trim any dead roots; replant in fresh, well-draining soil with a slightly larger pot.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; division is often preferred over repotting alone.
Checklist
Choose a larger pot; use fresh soil; trim roots if needed; water thoroughly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting leaves.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone until the soil is moist to a depth of 6–8 inches. Ensure excess water drains away to prevent root rot. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during active growth, reducing frequency in winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture retention.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; mulch to retain moisture.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or bud drop in extreme heat or cold.
Cold Stress
Slows growth and may cause leaf discoloration or dieback in temperatures below 50°F (10°C).
Solution: Mulch heavily in fall to insulate roots; move potted plants indoors or to a sheltered location; avoid watering frozen soil.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, flowers fade quickly, and growth may slow in prolonged temperatures above 90°F (32°C).
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; avoid late-season feeding; water after application.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid high-nitrogen formulas. Reduce or stop fertilizing in late summer to prepare for dormancy.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicRudbeckia fulgida is not known to be toxic to cats. It does not contain any known substances that are harmful to felines.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicRudbeckia fulgida is not known to be toxic to dogs. It does not produce any known harmful compounds that would cause adverse effects in canines.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicRudbeckia fulgida is not known to have toxic effects on humans. It is generally considered safe for consumption in small quantities.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I propagate Rudbeckia fulgida?
A: Propagate by seed in spring or by division in early spring or fall.
Q: Does Rudbeckia fulgida attract pollinators?
A: Yes, it is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Q: What are the ideal growing conditions for Rudbeckia fulgida?
A: It thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, tolerating drought once established.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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