Rudbeckia maxima

My first positive experience with this statuesque, native perennial was before I even saw the flowers. The silvery, powdery blue foliage in spring really caught my eye and I was amazed that this was a rudbeckia. The huge, basal foliage was a conspicuous, silvery-blue, even from a distance. The common name of cabbage coneflower or “Dumbo’s ears” made sense to me as I’m a huge fan of foliage impact in the garden. This perennial, native from Arkansas to Texas, is also a remarkable performer in the garden. A member of the broad Asteraceae family, Rudbeckia maxima requires full sun or light shade and does prefer adequate moisture. While commonly found in moist roadside ditches, good drainage is an additional requirement. Also very heat tolerant, this plant does exhibit some degree of drought tolerance once established and thrives in a wide range of garden soils and settings.

Aside from the large, waxy blue, “paddle-shaped” foliage, the emerging flower stalks (with sparse foliage) are rigidly upright and stretch up 5 to 7 feet in height and support a profusion of intensely yellow daisies. Secondary flowering stems add to the flower count. The daisies are 3 inches in diameter and the ray flowers surround an elongated, prominent, dark brown cone extending 2-6 inches from the center. The bloom period occurs in June and July and is attractive to butterflies, bees and other pollinators. This is an excellent and long-lasting cut flower as well. Goldfinches will later enjoy the seed.

This perennial is not only a great accent in the garden but is also quite effective en masse. It spreads very slowly to form colonies and can be tidied up after flowering (if desired). It rarely needs staking although it will become floppy in shaded locations. With few insect and disease problems, this perennial also exhibits moderate deer resistance, can be grown under walnuts and doesn’t mind clay soils. Propagation is typically by seed or root cuttings. Seek the variety ‘Golda Emanis’ for a chartreuse-foliage selection of this native (I still prefer the blue).

Specifics

Name: Rudbeckia maxima

Common name: great coneflower, giant coneflower, cabbage coneflower, Dumbo’s ears

Description: This stately perennial features the ornamental combination of beautiful, waxy, powder-blue foliage, tall blooming height and showy 3-inch yellow flowers with prominent, chocolate brown cones.

Hardiness: USDA Zones 4-9

In the landscape: This native perennial is excellent as a repeated accent that takes advantage of both the blue foliage and the hovering, yellow flowers at “head height.” Repetition or massing of this perennial will always hit the mark for beauty and pollinator value.