SCIENTIFIC NAME: Rudbeckia laciniata 'Herbstsonne' (syn. 'Autumn Sun')

COMMON NAME: Autumn Sun Cutleaf Coneflower

GARDEN SIZE: 4–7 feet tall x 2–3 feet wide

GROWTH RATE: Moderate

USDA ZONE: 5 to 9

EXPOSURE: Full Sun, Part Shade

WATER & SOIL: Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions and prefers average to dry moisture. Requires regular watering after planting, but is drought tolerant once established.

HABIT (FORM): Upright, rhizomatous, clump-forming perennial

FOLIAGE: Deciduous; toothed bright green leaves, 3–6" long

FLOWERS: Large daisy-like blooms (3–4") with drooping yellow rays and tall green center cones; blooms June through August

PLANT ORIGIN: Nativar of a species found in North America, including Tennessee.

WILDLIFE SUPPORT: Excellent nectar source for butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. Provides seasonal cover for small wildlife and may support seed-eating birds. Host plant for local butterflies and moths.

FERTILIZING: Give a root stimulant or 4-3-3 fertilizer during initial planting, then feed lightly in late winter or early spring with compost or an organic fertilizer.

PRUNING: Cut back to just above soil level in early spring to encourage dense regrowth. Leaving stems, leaves, and spent blooms over the winter benefits native pollinators and wildlife.

TOXICITY FLAGS: None reported

USES: Border plant, container, cut flower, mass planting, cottage gardens, rain gardens, patio containers