Rudbeckia laciniata 'Herbstsonne'

A robust, herbaceous perennial that forms clumps up to 2m tall.

Large-branched, single golden-yellow daisy flowers with pale green conical centres that mature to brown through summer to autumn. Tall upright stems bear glossy, green-toothed leaves.

Prefers full sun to partial shade, with moderately fertile moist but well-draining soil.

Prepare the planting site when soil is moist and easily worked after the first rains in autumn this way the soil is still warm so the plants can make root growth before the following summer. Always choose healthy well-grown plants. Remove all perennial weeds and incorporate bark, compost or other organic material. On heavy soils raise the level of beds and borders with extra topsoil and coarse pumice or sand. Plant when the soil is moist and warm in autumn or early spring so that a good root system develops to support vigorous new growth. Before planting ensure the root ball is saturated and remove the planter bag or pot with minimal root disturbance. Trim any broken roots and plant at the same level as in the container. Dig a hole twice the diameter of the root ball put in the plant and firm around the base water in well.

With suitable preparation and care, perennials will grow and flower well year after year. They benefit from a weed-free well-drained soil rich in organic material. Planting too closely leads to spindly growth, poor flowering and eventual decline. In a well planned border, the plants in flower should just touch each other to create a full effect without overcrowding. Apply an organic based fertiliser such as blood & bone at a handful per square metre in spring as new growth begins. Control slugs and snails to prevent damage to tender young shoots. Stake plants at or near planting time to ensure the plants are not damaged and grow around the stakes to conceal them.

Apply mulch annually to help suppress weeds and conserve moisture. Ensure mulching material is kept away from plant stems. Feed annually in spring with a balanced fertiliser (such as blood and bone) at a handful per square metre. As shoots begin to grow in spring, stake plants that need support. This can be achieved by pushing four or five bamboo stakes into the ground in a circle around the clump. Tie with string, which will be hidden by the foliage at flowering time. Alternatively, push four stakes in the ground around the plants either in a square or rectangle. Square netting can then be tightened over the stakes and the plants will grow through. Another layer of netting can be added as the plants grow.

Seed heads can be left through autumn and winter as required to provide seed for birds. In May, clumps can be pruned to ground level and divided if required. Rudbeckias benefit from annual division. The centres of old clumps die out, resulting in a ring of flowering shoots instead of a group. Lift the entire clump and separate by pushing two forks back-to-back into the centre of the clump and pushing apart. Replant the new plants from the new growth that was around the edge of the clump.

Birds feed on the seeds in autumn and winter.

No pest and disease issues.

Perennial Garden