Coneflower, Orange

Orange Coneflower
Rudbeckia fulgida

• Height: Typically 2–3 feet tall in Michigan’s climate
• Spread: About 18–24 inches wide
• Spacing: Plant 18–24 inches apart for a tidy, refreshing display
• Growth Rate: Moderate to fast
• Deciduous
• Native

Description

Orange Coneflower delivers a stunning burst of vibrant, daisy-like petals in warm orange-gold hues around a bold central cone. These satisfying summer-to-fall blooms create a polished statement in the landscape, often drawing butterflies to their fresh display. Its upright, clumping habit remains neat throughout the season, adding a lovely touch of color that brings an uplifting splash to borders, mixed plantings, or sunny beds.

General Care

• Sunlight: Thrives in full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 6 hours of direct light daily for the finest flowering.
• Soil: Prefers well-drained, moderately fertile soil; adding organic matter can enhance soil structure and moisture retention.
• Watering: Water regularly during the first growing season to develop a strong root system. Once established, it tolerates brief dry periods but appreciates consistent moisture during extended heat.
• Mulching: A 2–3 inch layer of mulch helps maintain soil temperature and conserve moisture. Keep mulch slightly away from the plant’s stems.
• Pruning: Remove spent blooms (deadhead) to encourage additional flowering and maintain a fresh appearance. Cut back old growth in late fall or early spring for a tidy start to the next season.

Orange Coneflower provides a grand blend of glowing color and satisfying durability in Michigan landscapes, offering a gorgeous, butterfly-friendly show well into late summer.