Cutleaf Coneflower

Cutleaf Coneflower (Rudbeckia laciniata)

Cutleaf Coneflower (Rudbeckia laciniata), also known as green-headed coneflower, is a towering, native perennial known for its bright yellow, drooping petals and distinctive greenish-brown central cones. This summer bloomer adds bold height, refined texture, and an eye-catching focal point to naturalized plantings, meadows, and pollinator gardens.

Distinctive Features

'Rudbeckia laciniata' features tall, upright stems that can reach heights of 5 to 7 feet, making it an excellent choice for adding vertical interest to the landscape. The bright yellow flowers, with their graceful, drooping petals and greenish-brown centers, bloom from midsummer through early fall, attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. The deeply lobed, cutleaf foliage adds additional texture and interest. As the season progresses, the seed heads provide food for birds, extending its ecological benefits. Its adaptability and resilience make it a favorite for naturalized landscapes and wildflower meadows.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade; blooms best in full sun.
• Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained soil but tolerates a range of soil types.
• Water: Requires regular watering, especially in dry conditions; tolerates occasional drought once established.
• Humidity: Tolerates a range of humidity levels.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9, adaptable to temperate climates.

Ideal Uses

• Pollinator Gardens: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
• Bird Gardens: Seed heads provide food for birds in fall and winter.
• Naturalized Plantings: Ideal for meadows, prairies, and woodland edges.
• Back-of-Border Plantings: Tall stature adds structure and vertical interest.
• Rain Gardens: Thrives in moist, well-drained soils and helps manage runoff.

Low Maintenance Care

Cutleaf Coneflower is a hardy, low-maintenance perennial that thrives with minimal care once established.

• Watering: Water regularly during establishment; drought-tolerant once mature but prefers consistent moisture.
• Pruning: Deadhead spent flowers to encourage prolonged blooming or leave seed heads for wildlife.
• Fertilizing: Minimal fertilization is required; apply compost in early spring if desired.
• Pest and Disease Resistance: Resistant to deer, rabbits, and most common pests.
• Winter Care: Leave seed heads for winter interest and wildlife food; cut back dead foliage in early spring.

Why Choose Cutleaf Coneflower?

Cutleaf Coneflower offers bold vertical height, wildlife support, and reliable performance, making it an excellent choice for naturalized and pollinator-friendly landscapes.

• Tall, Graceful Blooms: Provides vertical interest and bright color from midsummer through fall.
• Wildlife Support: Attracts pollinators and provides seeds for birds.
• Low Maintenance: Thrives with minimal care once established.
• Drought Tolerant: Adapts to a variety of soil conditions.
• Deer Resistant: Foliage is unappealing to browsing animals.

For towering height, pollinator support, and natural beauty, Cutleaf Coneflower (Rudbeckia laciniata) is an exceptional focal point choice for meadows, naturalized plantings, and rain gardens.