Cutleaf Coneflower Rudbeckia laciniata 'Goldquelle' (d)
ABOUT
Rudbeckia laciniata 'Goldquelle', commonly known as the double coneflower or goldball coneflower, is a visually striking garden plant. It is distinguished by its vibrant yellow flowers that are double, meaning they have extra petals, giving them a fuller and fluffier appearance compared to the single-petaled wild variety. The flowers are similar to daisies in their shape, with the central disk typically less pronounced due to the abundance of ray petals that create the dense, globe-like bloom. The color of the petals is a bright, sunny yellow that adds a splash of cheer to any garden setting. The leaves of the goldball coneflower are deep green with a serrated edge, giving them a slightly ruffled look. These leaves grow on sturdy, branching stems that hold the flowers well above the foliage. The texture of the leaves is somewhat rough, and the shape can vary, with some being more deeply cut or lobed than others. As a perennial, the plant returns each year with a robust disposition, ready to provide color and texture to the garden. Its appealing form and color are particularly well-suited for borders or as part of a mass planting where their blooms create a sea of gold. The double coneflower is also favored by many gardeners for cut flower arrangements due to its long-lasting and showy blooms. As the flowering season progresses, these blooms provide ongoing visual interest and attract a variety of pollinators such as butterflies and bees, adding to the dynamism of the garden space.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Cutleaf Coneflower, Green-headed Coneflower, Wild Goldenglow
Common names
Rudbeckia laciniata 'Goldquelle'
ToxicityTo humans
Cutleaf coneflower is not known to be toxic to humans. While it is not typically considered edible, accidental ingestion of cutleaf coneflower plants is not commonly associated with serious poisoning or life-threatening symptoms. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities could cause reactions in some people.
To pets
Cutleaf coneflower is not known to be toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. It is not typically harmful if a pet ingests portions of this plant. As with humans, individual sensitivities may vary, so it's possible for pets to experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they consume significant quantities of the plant, but serious toxicity is not expected.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
5-7 feet (1.5-2.1 meters)
Spread
2-4 feet (0.6-1.2 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-9
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Provides food for bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects which are vital to the ecosystem.
- Enhances Garden Aesthetics: Adds a splash of bright yellow color that can bright out contrast and vibrancy in a garden setting.
- Erosion Control: Helps stabilize soil with its root system, reducing the impact of erosion on landscapes.
- Eco-Friendly Landscaping: Being a native plant, it requires less water and maintenance, making it an environmentally friendly choice.
- Wildlife Habitat: Forms part of the habitat for various insects, birds, and small mammals, supporting biodiversity.
- Long Blooming Period: Provides flowers from mid-summer to early fall, offering prolonged interest and color in the garden.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, it is relatively tolerant to drought, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Easy to Grow: Known for being hardy and low maintenance, which makes it an accessible plant for gardeners of all experience levels.
- Mass Planting Appeal: Ideal for creating visual impact when planted in groups or as part of a border.
- Seasonal Interest: Its bright flowers and seasonal changes provide a dynamic element to garden landscapes.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Natural Dye: The vivid yellow flowers of the Goldquelle can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics or crafts, imparting a bright, sunshiny hue.
- Educational Resource: Goldquelle can serve as a teaching tool for botany and horticulture students to learn about plant morphology and perennial growth patterns.
- Garden Design: Due to its tall, dense growth and vibrant blooms, it can serve as a backdrop in garden beds or as a natural privacy screen.
- Companion Planting: Gardeners may use Goldquelle in companion planting to attract pollinators that benefit vegetable gardens and ecosystems.
- Floral Arrangements: The long-lasting blooms make an excellent choice for fresh or dried floral arrangements, adding bold color and texture.
- Erosion Control: The robust root system can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion in sloped areas of a landscape.
- Wildlife Habitat: The plant provides nectar for butterflies and bees, helping to support local wildlife populations.
- Photography Subject: Its striking appearance makes it a popular subject for nature photographers and artists.
- Mood Enhancement: The presence of Goldquelle in a garden setting can contribute to a sense of well-being and joy due to its bright flowers.
- Seasonal Celebrations: Its late summer bloom time can make it a part of harvest festivals and other seasonal celebrations as a symbol of the abundance of nature.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Cutleaf Coneflower is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Cutleaf Coneflower is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Optimism and Positivity: Cutleaf Coneflower 'Goldquelle', like other yellow flowering plants, often symbolizes warmth and optimism due to its bright yellow color, which is reminiscent of sunlight and cheerfulness.
- Adaptability and Survival: As a hardy perennial that is easy to grow and maintain, Cutleaf Coneflower 'Goldquelle' can represent one's ability to adapt and thrive in various conditions.
- Happiness and Celebration: With its showy, golden blooms, Cutleaf Coneflower 'Goldquelle' is associated with joy and is often used in festive occasions to symbolize happiness and celebration.
- Energy and Vitality: The plant's vigorous growth and robust nature convey a sense of energy and vitality, symbolizing good health and strength.
WaterCutleaf coneflower should be watered regularly, ideally about once a week with 1 to 1.5 gallons of water for each watering session during the growing season. In periods of extreme heat or drought, the frequency might need to increase to ensure the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. In non-drought conditions, reduce watering in the fall as the plant prepares for dormancy. When watering, it's best to do so early in the morning to allow the foliage to dry before evening, thus preventing fungal diseases.
LightCutleaf coneflower thrives in full sun to partial shade. It prefers to be placed in a location where it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. To promote healthy growth and prolific flowering, a spot that provides morning sunlight with some afternoon shade is ideal, especially in hotter climates.
TemperatureThe cutleaf coneflower is hardy and tolerates a wide range of temperatures but prefers conditions between 60°F and 70°F. It can survive minimum winter temperatures as low as -30°F and can handle summer heat up to 90°F. These resilient plants are suitable for gardens in USDA hardiness zones 3 through 9.
PruningCutleaf coneflower should be pruned to deadhead spent flowers which promotes further blooming and to maintain plant shape and size. Pruning can occur throughout the blooming season as flowers fade. At the end of the growing season, typically after the first frost, plants can be cut back to a few inches above ground level to clean up the garden and prepare for winter. Deadheading and trimming can be done with clean, sharp shears.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Cutleaf Coneflower 'Goldquelle' thrives in rich, well-drained soil. A good mix for this plant would be equal parts garden soil, compost, and peat or leaf mold to enhance soil structure and fertility. The pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, between 5.8 and 7.0, for optimal growth.
RepottingThe Cutleaf Coneflower 'Goldquelle' typically doesn't require frequent repotting as it is a garden perennial. Instead of repotting, divide the clumps every 3-4 years in the early spring to maintain vigor and control growth.
Humidity & MistingThe Cutleaf Coneflower 'Goldquelle' is adaptable to a wide range of humidity conditions and does not require specific humidity levels to thrive. It will grow well in the ambient outdoor humidity in most regions where it is hardy.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, adequate water, and large pot.
Outdoor
Choose sunny spot, plant in well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleRudbeckia laciniata 'Goldquelle', commonly known as Goldquelle Coneflower, begins its life cycle when seeds are sown or clonal divisions are planted in the soil, ideally in early spring to late summer. Germination follows, and seedlings develop true leaves and a root system, while clonal divisions establish roots. As the plant matures during the growing season, it develops a sturdy stem and lobed leaves, reaching its mature height of up to 6 feet in favorable conditions. The Goldquelle Coneflower blooms from midsummer to early fall, producing large, double, golden-yellow flowers that attract pollinators. After flowering, the plant sets seed, which can be dispersed by wind or wildlife to propagate the next generation. The plant then enters a period of dormancy during the winter months, with the root system remaining alive underground, ready to regrow in the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Late summer
The most popular method of propagation for the Cutleaf coneflower, or Rudbeckia laciniata 'Goldquelle', is division. This practice is best done in early spring as the plants begin to emerge. To propagate by division, you first carefully dig up an established clump and gently separate the crown into smaller sections, each with several shoots and a portion of the root system. Make sure that each new section has healthy roots and at least one growth bud. Replant the divisions immediately at the same soil depth as before, spacing them about 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 cm) apart to allow room for growth. Water the new divisions thoroughly to establish them. This method is highly effective as it helps to rejuvenate older plants and rapidly increase your stock of coneflowers.
