Rudbeckia echinacea purpurea (1 bulb)

A member of the RHS Plants for Pollinators collection, Rudbeckia echinacea purpurea is a stunning and popular perennial that produces large, vibrant purple flowers with dark centers, giving it the nickname “Purple Coneflower.” The petals are slightly droopy, giving the plant a relaxed and natural look, while the dark green and glossy foliage adds to the plant’s overall aesthetic appeal.

An excellent addition to a wildflower meadow or naturalistic garden, plant the Rudbeckia bulb into well-draining soil in a sunny location. The bulb should be planted at a depth whereby the crown of the plant sits at ground level, with the pointed end facing upwards. It is important to keep the soil consistently moist until the plant has established itself. Once established, the plant is drought-tolerant and requires minimal maintenance.

This minimal maintenance consists of deadheading the spent flowers to encourage continued blooming throughout the growing season alongside regular watering and mulching during dry periods due to the rather shallow root system. Clumps need lifting about every third or fourth year to maintain their vigour, using only the outer parts of the clump for replanting. Divide in spring or autumn. With its vibrant purple flowers and dark green leaves, it is sure to be a showstopper in any garden setting.

Details

• Bulb count per pack: 1 bulb
• A member of the RHS Plants for Pollinators collection
• Flower colour: Pink, Purple
• Flowering months: August, September
• Flowering height: 80cm/32″
• Hardiness: Hardy in most places throughout the UK, even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
• When to plant: March, April, May
• Planting depth: Crown of plant at ground level
• Bulb spacing: 25cm/10″
• Soil type: Well-drained
• Soil pH: Acid, Neutral, Alkaline
• Sunlight: Full sun, Partial shade