such cases, deadleaf to clean up the
plant and be sure to increase the
moisture provided to the plants in the
future. Plants are not attractive over
the winter and are best pruned down
after a killing frost.
other maintenance Rodgersia
requires moist, fertile, humus-rich soil
for best growth. Although it prefers
constant moisture, it doesn’t tolerate
standing water. Protect plants from
hot sun and strong winds and avoid
planting in frost pockets. Rodgersia is
slow growing and seldom needs
division, but it can be done in the
autumn. Watch for slugs.
related plantS Some rodgersias,
such as Rodgersia pinnata ‘Chocolate
Wings’ and R. pinnata ‘Fireworks’, have
interesting chocolate-brown foliage in
spring that normally changes to green
later on. Rodgersia ‘Bloody Mary’ has
prominent, heavily texture leaves and
dark pink flowers. Several species
besides R. pinnata are available at
nurseries, including R. aesculifolia, R.
podophylla, and R. sambucifolia. All are
similar in appearance, and even
experts have a hard time telling them
apart. They require the same care,
although R. pinnata is considered
somewhat less demanding of water
than the others.
Rudbeckia fulgida
‘Goldsturm’
‘Goldsturm’ black-eyed Susan
compoSitae
Golden daisylike flowers with black
centers; broad coarse leaves
18–30 in. (12 in.) high; 24–30 in. wide
Full sun
Blooms July–September
Zones 3–9
pruning Plants have a long bloom
period even without deadheading.
Seedheads are attractive after the
petals fall and are usually left on the
plant for winter interest. They also
provide good food for the birds in the
autumn and winter. Plants may seed
to almost weedy proportions in some
situations, however, and if this is not
desired some or all of the seedheads
should be cut down. Stems may topple
a bit over the winter as well. Pinching
can produce more but smaller flowers
on sturdier plants.
other maintenance Tough,
long-blooming perennial. It is so
widely used that it could be considered
the juniper of the perennial world!
Plants have a rhizomatous habit that
can form fairly large colonies. Holes
may develop in planting. Divide every
4 years to keep strong and to control
spread. More frequent division may be
needed in light soils where the spread
can be fast. Not affected by powdery
mildew and doesn’t require staking.
related plantS Rudbeckia fulgida
var. speciosa (R. newmanii), orange
coneflower, can seed prolifically.
Deadhead most of the seedheads to
reduce the population if desired, but
leave a few for the birds. Stems hold up
well and basal foliage remains
evergreen over the winter.
Rudbeckia maxima, giant coneflower,
is gorgeous, with towering 5-ft. stems
and large, waxy, blue-green leaves. It
has attractive seedheads that are
favorites of the birds. Tall stems often
break over the winter. Minimal
seeding. This plant is native to the
south-central United States and is
great for scale in the border.