SCIENTIFIC NAME: Rudbeckia subtomentosa 'Henry Eilers'

COMMON NAME: Henry Eilers Sweet Coneflower

GARDEN SIZE: 3–5 feet tall x 1–2 feet wide

GROWTH RATE: Moderate

USDA ZONE: 4 to 8

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, non-rhizomatous herbaceous perennial

FOLIAGE: Deciduous; dark gray-green, toothed leaves (3–6" long), some 3-lobed; mildly fragrant with downy undersides

FLOWERS: Yellow rays rolled into quilled form with dome-shaped brown centers; 3" wide; blooms July to September

PLANT ORIGIN: Nativar of a species found throughout the Central United States, 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