Coneflower
rudbeckia maxima
Also known as: ["Great Coneflower","Giant Coneflower"]
Overview
A tall, herbaceous perennial native to North America, known for its large, yellow daisy-like flowers with prominent dark brown or purple centers.
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 maxima |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden bed or border in a location with good air circulation
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Well-draining but moisture-retentive.
- Soil Type: Rich, loamy soil with good organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering or every 2–3 months to maintain shape.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid cutting more than one-third of the plant at once.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day); tolerates partial shade but may produce fewer blooms.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sun; protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate pot for even light; use sheer curtains for filtered light; avoid direct midday sun indoors.
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, and avoid overwatering.
Soil
rich, moist, well-draining loam
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0).
Mulch to retain moisture; avoid heavy clay; ensure pH balance.
Temperature
Prefers 65–85°F (18–29°C); tolerates heat but may require more water in high temperatures.
Use shade cloth in summer; group plants for humidity; protect from drafts.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer with balanced liquid fertilizer
Fertilize after pruning; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; use slow-release fertilizer for convenience.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division of rhizomes.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take cuttings, apply hormone, plant in medium, maintain humidity, and wait for roots.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–80%), indirect light, and consistent warmth (70–75°F).
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended for faster root development.
Timeline
Roots in 3–6 weeks; establish in new pot within 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, pots, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy parent stems; keep soil consistently moist; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Deadhead spent blooms and trim leggy stems just above a leaf node.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming and cut back leggy growth for bushier plants.
Tools
Pruners, gloves, disinfectant.
Checklist
Clean tools, prune dead/leggy growth, shape plant, dispose of clippings.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if needed, use fresh soil, and water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for larger plants.
Checklist
Check root bound status, prepare new pot, trim roots, add fresh soil, water lightly.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, avoid wetting leaves.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, focusing on the root zone, and water in the morning to reduce evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during active growth, reducing frequency in winter; adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture.
Soil Improvement
Add compost, perlite, or sand to improve drainage and aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf scorch, stunted growth, or bud drop in extreme conditions.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause root damage in freezing temperatures, and can lead to dieback.
Solution: Mulch heavily in winter, protect from frost, and move containers indoors if temperatures drop below 20°F (-6°C).
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, flowers fade quickly, and growth may slow due to excessive heat.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat, increase watering, and use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check season, dilute properly, apply to soil, avoid foliage contact.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicRudbeckia maxima is not known to be toxic to cats. There are no reported adverse effects from ingestion.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicRudbeckia maxima is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no reported adverse effects from ingestion.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicRudbeckia maxima 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 tall does Rudbeckia maxima grow?
A: It can grow up to 5 feet tall.
Q: Does Rudbeckia maxima require full sun?
A: Yes, it thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Q: Is Rudbeckia maxima deer resistant?
A: Yes, it is moderately deer resistant.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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