Cutleaf Coneflower Rudbeckia laciniata 'Herbstsonne'
ABOUT
The Rudbeckia laciniata 'Herbstsonne', commonly known as the 'Autumn Sun' Coneflower, features a striking and cheerful appearance. It is characterized by its bright yellow flowers that have a greenish-yellow cone at the center. Each flower consists of long, slender, drooping petals that encompass the raised, cone-like center where the seeds develop. This center cone is surrounded by a halo of these rays, creating a daisy-like effect that is typical of the coneflowers. The foliage of 'Autumn Sun' Coneflower is also noteworthy. The leaves are deeply lobed, which gives them a somewhat ragged, but interesting texture that adds to the plant's overall visual appeal. The leaves can be bright to dark green, rough in texture, and they alternate along the stem, which gives the plant a lush, full look. As a perennial, the plant will often return year after year from its root system, developing into a clump with multiple stems. The stems themselves are stout and sturdy, able to support the weight of the large flowers without bending or breaking. The 'Autumn Sun' Coneflower blooms in the late summer and can continue to bring color to gardens into the fall, providing a source of late-season nectar for pollinators such as butterflies and bees. After the blooming period, the seed heads can serve as an interesting visual element in the garden, as well as a food source for birds. Overall, the 'Autumn Sun' Coneflower has a very striking presence due to its radiant flowers, robust foliage, and the contribution it makes to wildlife. It adds height and vertical interest to garden beds and borders, and its sunny flowers offer a warm, inviting atmosphere.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Cutleaf Coneflower, Green-headed Coneflower, Wild Goldenglow, Sochan, Tall Coneflower, Thimbleweed, Autumn Sun
Common names
Rudbeckia laciniata var. ampla, Rudbeckia ampla, Rudbeckia laciniata var. digitata, Rudbeckia digitata, Rudbeckia laciniata var. heterophylla, Rudbeckia heterophylla
ToxicityTo humans
Cutleaf Coneflower is generally not toxic to humans. There are no commonly reported toxins in the plant that cause poisoning when touched or ingested. As with any plant material, individual allergies or sensitivities could occur, but no specific toxicity-related symptoms are known to be associated with Cutleaf Coneflower.
To pets
Cutleaf Coneflower is also not known to be toxic to pets. It does not contain substances known to be poisonous to domestic animals. However, ingestion of plant material could potentially lead to mild gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea, due to the physical irritation from consuming non-digestible matter rather than chemical toxicity.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
6-7 feet (1.8-2.1 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 Wildlife: Rudbeckia laciniata 'Herbstsonne', commonly known as cutleaf coneflower, is known to attract butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects, supporting biodiversity.
- Easy Maintenance: Cutleaf coneflower is a hardy plant that requires minimal care once established, making it an excellent choice for low-maintenance gardens.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, this perennial can tolerate periods of drought, making it suitable for xeriscaping and reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Long Blooming Period: The cutleaf coneflower has a prolonged flowering season, often from mid-summer to autumn, providing bright color in the garden for an extended time.
- Architectural Interest: With its tall stature and large, yellow blooms, the cutleaf coneflower adds height and visual interest to garden beds and borders.
- Erosion Control: The extensive root system of the plant helps stabilize soil, aiding in erosion control on slopes and in areas prone to soil disturbance.
- Wildlife Habitat: Cutleaf coneflower provides food and shelter for wildlife such as birds, which may feed on the seeds in the late season.
- Winter Interest: The seed heads of Rudbeckia laciniata 'Herbstsonne' persist through winter, offering a unique texture and interest to the winter garden landscape.
- Perennial Growth: As a perennial, this plant will regrow year after year, making it a lasting addition to the garden without the need for annual replanting.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Cut Flower Arrangements: The Rudbeckia laciniata 'Herbstsonne', commonly known as Cutleaf Coneflower, features large, bright yellow flowers that hold up well when cut, making it a popular choice for bouquets and floral displays.
- Natural Dye: The blossoms and to some extent the leaves of Cutleaf Coneflower can be used to produce a natural yellow dye for fabrics or paper.
- Garden Borders: With its tall stature and attractive foliage, Cutleaf Coneflower can be planted at the back of garden borders to add height and structure to the planting design.
- Wildlife Habitat: Cutleaf Coneflower provides a habitat and food source for beneficial insects, including butterflies and bees, enhancing biodiversity in the garden.
- Erosion Control: The extensive root system of Cutleaf Coneflower helps to stabilize soil, making it useful for planting on slopes or in areas prone to erosion.
- Seasonal Interest: As a late-blooming perennial, Cutleaf Coneflower adds vibrant color and interest to gardens during the late summer and early fall when many other plants have finished flowering.
- Companion Planting: Cutleaf Coneflower can be planted alongside grasses and other late-season perennials to create a prairie-style or naturalistic garden setting.
- Photography: The striking appearance of Cutleaf Coneflower, with its prominent conical centers and sunny petals, can provide a dramatic subject for garden and nature photographers.
- Educational Use: Gardeners and educators can use Cutleaf Coneflower to teach about plant lifecycles, pollination, and the role of perennials in garden ecosystems.
- Cultural Significance: Cutleaf Coneflower can be incorporated into gardens that aim to reflect the flora of North American prairies, preserving a piece of the continent's cultural and natural heritage.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe 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: Often referred to as the "Cutleaf Coneflower," Rudbeckia laciniata 'Herbstsonne' is reminiscent of the sun's rays, which symbolize brightness and a positive outlook.
- Longevity: With its long bloom period extending into the fall, Cutleaf Coneflower represents endurance and the ability to thrive over time.
- Justice: In some cultural beliefs, the Cutleaf Coneflower is seen as a symbol of fairness and equitable treatment, owing to its balanced and symmetrical flower shape.
- Encouragement and Motivation: The uplifting appearance of the Cutleaf Coneflower can symbolize encouragement, serving as a metaphor for pushing forward and striving for one's goals.
WaterThe Cutleaf Coneflower should be watered deeply once a week, providing it with about 1 to 1.5 inches of water each time. The amount of water may need to be increased during particularly hot or dry periods. It's important to ensure that the soil is well-draining to prevent waterlogging. Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases. During the winter months or in cooler climates, reduce the watering frequency as the plant requires less moisture.
LightCutleaf Coneflower thrives in full sun to partial shade. The ideal spot is one where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, but it will also perform well with some afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates. Avoid deep shade, as this will reduce blooming and can lead to leggy growth.
TemperatureCutleaf Coneflower is hardy and can withstand a wide range of temperatures, from as low as -30 degrees Fahrenheit to temperatures over 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Ideally, it flourishes in an environment where the temperature is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, which encourages optimal growth and flowering.
PruningCutleaf Coneflower should be pruned to remove spent flowers and encourage further blooming. Deadheading, or the removal of faded flowers, can be done throughout the flowering season. In late fall or early spring, cut back the stems to 1-2 inches above the ground to tidy up the plant and prepare for new growth. Pruning also helps maintain plant health by eliminating diseased or damaged tissue.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCutleaf coneflower thrives in a well-draining soil mix rich in organic matter. A blend of garden soil, compost, and a small amount of sand or perlite to improve drainage would be ideal. The soil pH should be moderately acidic to neutral, in the range of 6.5 to 7.0.
RepottingCutleaf coneflower is a perennial and does not require frequent repotting. It's best to divide the plant every 3 to 4 years to maintain its vigor and prevent overcrowding.
Humidity & MistingCutleaf coneflower prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable and tolerant of the varying humidity conditions commonly found outdoors in its growing zones.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, good airflow, and space for growth.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-drained soil, divide every 3-4 years.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleRudbeckia laciniata 'Herbstsonne', commonly known as cutleaf coneflower or autumn sun, begins its life cycle as a seed that germinates in the spring when soil temperatures warm. The seedling emerges and establishes itself, developing a basal rosette of deeply lobed leaves. As it matures, the plant grows a sturdy stem and more foliage, becoming a clump-forming perennial. By mid to late summer, it reaches its flowering stage, displaying tall, branching stems topped with large, yellow daisy-like flowers with a prominent, raised central cone. After pollination by insects, the flowers set seed, which, if not deadheaded, can disperse to produce new plants. In autumn, the plant dies back to the ground after frost, where it overwinters as a root system before the cycle begins anew in the spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Winter to Spring
The most popular way to propagate the cutleaf coneflower (Rudbeckia laciniata 'Herbstsonne') is by division. This is best done in the spring as new growth begins or in the early fall, allowing time for the plants to establish before the onset of winter. To divide, dig up the entire clump and gently separate the plant into smaller sections, making sure each division has an adequate amount of roots and shoots. Replant the divisions at the same depth they were growing at previously, spacing them about 18 to 24 inches (approximately 45 to 60 centimeters) apart to allow for ample growth. Water the new plantings thoroughly to help settle the soil and eliminate air pockets. Dividing every 3 to 4 years will help maintain the vigor of the plant and prevent overcrowding.
