Giant Coneflower
Rudbeckia maxima
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
72 inches
Width
30 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
North America
Toxicity
Non-toxic
The Story
Plant Bio
A tall, clump-forming perennial noted for its huge, glaucous, blue-green basal leaves and long-stalked, yellow, cone-topped flowers. Distinctive for its very large, paddle-like, waxy blue-green basal foliage which contrasts with the tall, naked flower stems topped by yellow ray flowers and prominent brown cones.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a sunny location with well-drained soil for planting.
- Tuck seeds into soil about 1/4 inch deep and water gently.
- Maintain consistent moisture until germination, usually in 10-14 days.
- Thin seedlings to the strongest plants to reduce competition.
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy growth.
- Mist cuttings or transplant young plants in early spring or fall.
Pro Tip
Mulch around plants to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms
- Apply compost annually to enrich soil
- Prune back in late fall to prepare for winter
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t disturb roots during flowering
- Refrain from using excessive fertilizer, which can cause legginess
- Do not prune in late fall if you want winter interest
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup | ||||||||||||
| Stake |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Giant Coneflower questions
What zones can Giant Coneflower grow in?
Giant Coneflower is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Giant Coneflower deer resistant?
Yes — Giant Coneflower is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Giant Coneflower bloom?
Giant Coneflower typically blooms in summer through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Giant Coneflower need full sun?
Giant Coneflower does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Giant Coneflower drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Giant Coneflower handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
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Rudbeckia fulgida 'Goldsturm'
Chim Chiminee Black-eyed Susan
Rudbeckia hirta 'Chim Chiminee'
Cherokee Sunset Black-eyed Susan
Rudbeckia hirta 'Cherokee Sunset'
Black-eyed Susan
Rudbeckia hirta
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Grow Giant Coneflower with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
