Rudbeckia maxima

Rudbeckia maxima: Giant Coneflower

Strikingly architectural and full of character, Rudbeckia maxima towers above the summer border with its bold, powder-blue foliage and towering golden cones. The oversized, paddle-shaped basal leaves create a statuesque base, while the tall, unbranched stems rise to reveal golden-yellow ray flowers that surround dark central cones, loved by bees and goldfinches alike. Blooming in early to midsummer, it brings dramatic height and wildlife interest to sunny gardens. Exceptionally drought tolerant once established, this is a prairie native with both presence and purpose.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 150–200 cm 
• Spread: 60–90 cm 
• Flower Colour: Golden yellow with dark brown cones
• Flowering Period: Early to midsummer
• Foliage: Large, glaucous blue-green basal leaves
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained, average to moist soils

Uses and Benefits: Ideal for naturalistic plantings, prairie-style gardens, or bold back-of-border statements, Rudbeckia maxima draws the eye with its unique silhouette and airy vertical lines. Its sturdy stems resist flopping, and the seedheads provide long-lasting winter interest. A magnet for pollinators and birds, it offers real ecological value as well as visual drama. Excellent in meadow-inspired settings or large-scale perennial beds.

Companion Plants: Combine Rudbeckia maxima with the soft lavender tones of Echinacea purpurea, the fine-textured golden plumes of Sorghastrum nutans, and the late-season charm of Aster 'Wood's Light Blue' for a layered, wildlife-friendly palette that shifts beautifully through the seasons.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun and water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system. Once established, it’s quite drought tolerant. Tolerates a range of soils but prefers good drainage. Minimal pruning required—cut back old stems in late winter or early spring. Divide every few years if clumps become crowded.

History: Native to the southern United States, Rudbeckia maxima has long been admired for its distinctive foliage and stature. It’s a true prairie classic, adapted to hot summers and variable soils, and has found its way into both ecological restoration projects and artistic planting designs.

Final Thoughts: Whether you're aiming for drama, wildlife appeal, or a striking vertical accent, Rudbeckia maxima delivers in every season. Its combination of bold foliage, towering blooms, and hardy character make it an unforgettable addition to any sunny landscape.