'Henry Eilers' sweet coneflower (Rudbeckia subtomentosa 'Henry Eilers') rud-BEK-ee-ah sub-toe-men-TOE-sah Genus:  Rudbeckia

The unique, finely quilled, 2-inch-wide flowers are what make 'Henry Eilers' stand out from the rest of the coneflowers. The petals sit separate from one another, forming a brilliant, golden yellow starburst around a dark brownish purple cone. The blooms grow on strong, upright, 4- to 5-foot-tall stems in late summer, and are produced in such abundance that you can cut some for bouquets and you'll never even notice they are missing from the garden. The stems are covered with a soft, hairy down, while the leaves have a pleasing vanilla-and-anise scent.

Noteworthy Characteristics: 

Drought tolerant and low maintenance. Good cut flower. Seed heads attract birds. This plant was discovered in Illinois.

Care: 

Plant in full sun to light shade and average loam. Do not overfeed or overwater.

Problems: 

Infrequent.

Overview

Height 3 ft. to 6 ft. Spread 1 ft. to 3 ft. Growth Habit Clumps Light Full Sun to Part Shade Moisture Medium Moisture Maintenance Low Characteristics Attracts Song Birds, Attracts Butterflies, Fragrant Foliage, Native, Self Seeds, Showy Flowers Bloom Time Early Fall, Late Summer Flower Color Yellow Uses Beds and Borders, Cut Flower Style Meadow Garden Seasonal Interest Summer Interest Tolerance Drought Tolerant Type Perennials