Common Name: Giant Coneflower Botanical Name: Rudbeckia maxima Plant family: Asteraceae Location: Crystal Bridges Trail, West Walkway Growing zone: 5-9 Height: 3-4 ft. Spread: 3 ft. Bloom time: June, July, August, September, October Bloom description: Intense yellow three-inch petals dangle from 2-6 in. brown cones and produce seeds that mature in the summer and fall. Leaf type: Bluish-green, paddle-shaped leaves are a very distinguishable trait. The leaves are basal and can grow 1-2 ft. tall. Garden uses: Grows primarily in moist prairies, pastures, and openings in forests. Susceptible to powdery mildew. Easily grown in average, moist, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates light shade as well as heat, some drought, and a somewhat wide range of soils. Best in moist, organically rich soils. May be grown from seed. In optimum growing conditions, plants will naturalize by self-seeding. Slugs and snails prey on young plants. Wildlife benefits: Flowers provide nectar for various species of pollinators and provide food for birds. Host plant for at least one dozen species of butterflies and moths. Finches eat the seeds.
