Rudbeckia maxima
Piercing the sky like a lighthouse in a sea of plants and shrubs, the giant coneflower attracts eleven different species of butterflies, native bees, and beautiful birds to your garden. Guided by a beacon of yellow petals, hover flies and minute pirate bugs are drawn to this plant, as many pollinators are, and will feed on common garden pests such as thrips, aphids and whiteflies. The giant coneflower is a plant that stands tall in any garden and is worth searching for at local fall plant sales, native plant nurseries, or online plant retailers.
Where to find it
The giant coneflower is native to a small geographic area incorporating parts of Oklahoma, Arkansas and Texas. This herbaceous perennial can be found growing naturally in open woodlands, prairies, pastures and along roadsides and railroad tracks.
In 1816, near the Red River, in then Oklahoma Territory, the giant coneflower was first identified by the English botanist and plant explorer Thomas Nuttall.
Easy care and adaptable
The best part: giant coneflower is low maintenance. It thrives in clay or sandy soil and tolerates dry to medium soil moisture, drought conditions, heat and even short term flooding. Sounds like Houston weather to me! This golden giant has no serious disease problems and is resistant to pests, an impressive combo any gardener will love.
Begin planting in early fall to allow the basal clump time to establish itself during the cooler months, and allow adequate spacing to accommodate the 3-4 foot spread of the mature plants. Giant coneflower thrives in full sun but tolerates part shade. Throughout the first year, only the beautiful blue green leaves will be visible. In warm climates like ours the leaves are evergreen, adding to the plant’s winter interest. At maturity, these attractive cabbage-shaped leaves may be 15” to 18” in length, earning this plant the common name: cabbage coneflower.
The second season is when this plant really becomes a showstopper. Tall stalks reach 6-8 feet in height and 3 inch wide flowers with drooping yellow petals and tall, dark brown cones make a strong statement in the garden. Use the stunning flowers in fresh or dried floral arrangements but be sure to leave some on the stalk as food for gold finches, chickadees and other backyard birds.
The J.C. Raulston Arboretum located at North Carolina State University has provided an online collection of photographs of this beautiful plant. Check out these gorgeous pictures HERE and get ready for some fall garden inspiration.
Giant coneflower is a uniquely beautiful and towering plant that will enhance not only the visual appeal of your garden, but will reward you with visits from a variety of pollinators this fall.
