Great coneflower (Rudbeckia maxima)
Great coneflower (Rudbeckia maxima) is a perennial plant that can grow 1.5m – 3m tall and 50cm – 1.5m wide. In this growing guide we’ll learn the cultivation details and how to plant Great coneflower (Rudbeckia maxima).
This plant has several common names including: great coneflower, large coneflower or cabbage leaf coneflower.
This is a deciduous plant that takes 2-5 years to reach full maturity.
In this article
Plant profile
Common name: great coneflower, large coneflower, cabbage leaf coneflower
Scientific name: Rudbeckia maxima
Plant type: Perennials
Habit: Clump-forming
Height: 1.5m – 3m
Spread: 50cm – 1.5m
Foliage: Deciduous
Sunlight: Full Sun
Soil: Chalk, Clay, Loam
Moisture: Moist but well drained
Garden type: Architectural, City & Courtyard Gardens, Informal Garden, Wildflower meadow
Planting type: Flower borders and bedding
Other characteristics: Plants for pollinators
Seasonal colors
| Season | Stem | Foliage | Flower | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
How to plant Great coneflower (Rudbeckia maxima) – Eric Hunt, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Perennial plants are one of the largest groups of plants.
They offer color, shape, fragrance and seasonal textures. The variety is such that there are plants to suit all sizes and styles of garden.
Traditionally, perennials are grown in borders, using a wall or hedge as a backdrop to bring out all their splendor during summer.
But since most gardens are not large enough for long borders dedicated exclusively to perennials, they are usually planted in mixed borders and beds, along with shrubs, annuals, biennials, and bulbs that extend the season of interest.
Other types of Rudbeckia to consider:
See all Rudbeckia
How to plant
In this section we will learn how to plant Great coneflower (Rudbeckia maxima), know its needs in terms of soil, watering and sun exposure.
Soil
Great coneflower (Rudbeckia maxima) is not a demanding plant regarding the type of soil and can grow in chalk, clay or loam.
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The chalky soil is pale and contains chunks of calcium-rich rock. It is a fertile and well-draining soil, almost always alkaline.
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Clay soil is composed of more than 25 percent clay particles. These particles have a high moisture holding capacity and the soil is heavy to dig and can be waterlogged in winter (dry in summer).
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The loam soil is dark, rich in organic matter but balanced in minerals. It offers the best of all worlds, retaining enough water for the plants, but allowing excess moisture to drain away. This is the most desired type of garden soil, perfect for most plants.
It is not very sensitive to soil acidity or alkalinity and grows well in soils with pH acid, alkaline or neutral.
Regarding drainage, Rudbeckia maxima likes to grow in moist but well drained soil.
Sunlight
Great coneflower (Rudbeckia maxima) should be grown in full sun places.
Cultivation profiles – Growing Great coneflower (Rudbeckia maxima) – peganum from Henfield, England, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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