Asteraceae
Cutleaf Coneflower (Rudbeckia laciniata)
Rudbeckia laciniata
Full sun to part shade, fertile soil that stays moist. Very cold hardy (zones 3 to 9) and easy to grow. Tall plants may need staking; divide every 3 to 5 years and keep the spreading rhizomes in check. Foliage is mildly toxic to grazing animals.
Every 5 days
Bright indirect
-40° - °C
% - %
Categories
What is Cutleaf Coneflower?
Cutleaf Coneflower (Rudbeckia laciniata) is a easy-care plant from the Asteraceae family. Rudbeckia laciniata is a herbaceous perennial in the Asteraceae family, native to eastern North America, where it grows in moist woodlands, bottomlands, riverbanks and meadows. It forms upright clumps 1 to 3 m tall with large leaves deeply cut into 3 to 7 lobes. From summer into fall it bears 5 to 1...
Cutleaf Coneflower grows up to 3.0m, spread of 91cm, watering every 5 days. It is not suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Cutleaf Coneflower tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Unlike many popular species, Cutleaf Coneflower is safe to keep around pets.
How to Care for Cutleaf Coneflower?
TLDR: Cutleaf Coneflower needs Bright indirect, watering every 5 days, and temperatures between -40-30°C with 40-70% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Cutleaf Coneflower?
Keep the soil evenly moist, watering every 4 to 6 days during dry summer spells. In a spot that is too sunny and dry, the leaves droop and wither. Water at the base, not over the leaves, to discourage powdery mildew.
How Much Light Does Cutleaf Coneflower Need?
Grows in full sun or part shade. Strong sun with dry soil stresses it; light part shade is ideal in hot climates.
What Is the Best Soil for Cutleaf Coneflower?
Fertile loam or silt loam, rich in organic matter and moisture-retentive. It tolerates clay and occasional flooding.
What Pot Should You Use for Cutleaf Coneflower?
Better suited to beds and borders than containers; if grown in a pot, choose a large, deep container with plenty of soil.
What Is Cutleaf Coneflower and Where Does It Come From?
Rudbeckia laciniata is a herbaceous perennial in the Asteraceae family, native to eastern North America, where it grows in moist woodlands, bottomlands, riverbanks and meadows. It forms upright clumps 1 to 3 m tall with large leaves deeply cut into 3 to 7 lobes. From summer into fall it bears 5 to 10 cm flower heads with drooping yellow rays around a greenish-yellow cone. It spreads by rhizomes and attracts bees, butterflies and goldfinches.
How to Propagate Cutleaf Coneflower?
Clump division
Dividing every 3 to 5 years renews the plant, improves airflow and limits rhizome spread.
- 1 In early spring or fall, lift the clump with a spade
- 2 Cut it into pieces with roots and shoots
- 3 Replant at the same depth and water well
Materials needed:
Seed
Winter cold helps break seed dormancy.
- 1 Collect dry seeds in fall
- 2 Sow directly outdoors in fall or cold-stratify before spring sowing
- 3 Cover lightly and keep moist
Materials needed:
How Big Does Cutleaf Coneflower Grow?
TLDR: Cutleaf Coneflower can reach up to 3.0m tall with Fast growth rate.
Max height
3.0m
Spread
91cm
Growth rate
Fast
Foliage
Deciduous
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Cutleaf Coneflower?
TLDR: Cutleaf Coneflower is susceptible to 8 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease caused by various fungi species including Erysiphe, Podosphaera, Oïdium, and Leveillula. It affects over 10,000 plant species worldwide. The disease thrives in warm, dry climates with high humidity and appears as a distinctive white powdery coating on plant surfaces.
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied, pear-shaped insects (1/16 to 1/8 inch long) that feed by sucking nutrient-rich sap from plants. They reproduce rapidly and can quickly weaken plants, causing distorted growth and transmitting plant viruses. Aphids come in various colors including green, black, red, yellow, brown, and gray. They secrete honeydew, a sticky substance that attracts ants and encourages sooty mold growth.
Slugs and Snails
Slugs and snails are mollusks that feed on plant tissue, causing irregular holes in leaves and damage to young seedlings. They are most active at night and in moist conditions, leaving characteristic silvery slime trails. These pests can quickly devastate gardens, especially during wet seasons.
Southern Blight
Southern blight is a devastating soilborne fungal disease caused by Athelia rolfsii (formerly Sclerotium rolfsii), affecting over 500 plant species including vegetables, ornamentals, and fruit crops. The fungus survives in soil through resting structures called sclerotia that resemble mustard seeds and can remain viable for years.
Fun Facts
It can reach 3 m tall, one of the tallest Rudbeckia species.
The double-flowered cultivar 'Golden Glow' was a favorite in old-fashioned gardens.
Goldfinches eat its seeds in fall, and native bees nest in the dry stems.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water cutleaf coneflower?
Is Rudbeckia laciniata poisonous?
Why does my coneflower have white powder on its leaves?
Does cutleaf coneflower spread?
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field Maple | Easy | Bright indirect | 14d | ✓ |
| Iberian Houseleek | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Silver Birch | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Common Blanketflower | Easy | Direct sun | 10d | ✓ |
