Rudbeckia fulgida var. fulgida (Orange Coneflower)

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Rudbeckia, Genus, fulgida, Species, var., Variety, fulgida, Variety,

Genus & species
Variety

orange coneflower

Asteraceae

Eastern United States, from Pennsylvania south to Alabama and west to Missouri

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Deer Resistant Drought Tolerant Container Friendly

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterMedium · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 3–9

Overview

Rudbeckia fulgida var. fulgida is the type variety of the orange coneflower, growing 18–30 inches (45–75 cm) tall and 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) wide. The species name 'fulgida' means 'shining' or 'glistening', describing the glossy ray florets. Deep golden-orange daisy flowers 2–3 inches (5–8 cm) across with dark brown-black central cones appear from July through October. The type variety has a slightly warmer orange tone to the ray florets than var. deamii or var. sullivantii, with narrower ray petals that give the flowers a more delicate, star-like appearance. The clumping habit is well-behaved — slower to spread than var. sullivantii 'Goldsturm'. The slightly shorter stature (18–30 inches / 45–75 cm) suits front-to-mid border positions. Dark green rough-textured hairy leaves. The dark seed cones persist through winter for goldfinch food. Tolerates clay, drought, and heat. Deer generally avoid the rough foliage. The type variety is less commonly sold than var. deamii and 'Goldsturm' but is valued by native plant enthusiasts for its slightly different flower character.

Native Range

Rudbeckia fulgida var. fulgida is native to the eastern United States, from Pennsylvania south to Alabama and west to Missouri. It grows in open woodlands, meadows, and along forest edges.

Suggested Uses

Used in native plant gardens, prairie plantings, and perennial borders. The type variety for native plant purists. The slightly warmer orange tone and star-like flower form add variety to R. fulgida collections. The well-behaved clumping habit suits cultivated borders.

How to Identify

Identified by deep golden-orange daisy flowers with narrower ray petals than other R. fulgida varieties, dark brown-black cones, and dark green rough hairy foliage. The warmer orange ray color and narrower petals distinguish the type variety from the broader-petaled, more yellow var. deamii and var. sullivantii. Clumping, well-behaved habit.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1'6" - 2'6"

Width/Spread1'6" - 2'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~10 weeks

Flowers: July–October

Summer Fall

Flowering from July through October, approximately 10+ weeks. Deep golden-orange daisies with dark cones. Dark seed cones persist through winter.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Deep golden-orange ray florets with a dark brown-black central cone

Foliage Description

Dark green, ovate to lance-shaped, rough-textured, hairy

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 5-10 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.5 (Acidic to alkaline)

3579

Soil Types

loam clay

Drainageaverage

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in full sun to partial shade. Average to moist, well-drained soil; tolerates clay. Do not fertilize. Leave standing through winter. Cut to ground in early spring. Divide every 3–4 years.

Pruning

Cut all stems to ground in late February–March. Leave standing through fall and winter. Divide every 3–4 years.

Pruning Schedule

Prune: March

early spring

Container Growing

Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 5 gallons

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Related Rudbeckia species