Cutleaf coneflower (Rudbeckia laciniata 'Hortensia')
Rudbeckia laciniata 'Hortensia', or Cutleaf coneflower, offers showy yellow flowers. Hardy in Zones 3-9, this perennial reaches 5-7 ft tall.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Rudbeckia laciniata ‘Hortensia’, known commonly as Cutleaf coneflower, is a striking, upright herbaceous perennial highly valued for its late-season color. This cultivar distinguishes itself with fully double, 3” diameter, drooping yellow flowers, providing a bold texture unlike the typical single-ray coneflowers. It thrives across a wide range of conditions, offering reliability for gardeners seeking summer and early fall interest.
As a vigorous grower, the Cutleaf coneflower naturally lends itself to large landscape applications where height is desirable. While it can spread via underground stems, its impressive stature and extended bloom period often outweigh this management consideration for those looking to establish naturalized settings. Planting Rudbeckia laciniata ‘Hortensia’ ensures a consistent supply of showy yellow blooms, often utilized effectively for backend borders or screens.
This plant’s history traces back to Victorian introduction, yet it remains a valuable contemporary choice, especially where tolerance for high humidity is required. Gardeners should plan for its potential height when incorporating Rudbeckia laciniata ‘Hortensia’ into formal perennial beds, using its vertical presence to anchor the design well into autumn.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Asteraceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 3-9
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 5-7 ft
- Spread: 2-3 ft
- Bloom Time: July to September
- Bloom Description: Yellow
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
Rudbeckia laciniata ‘Hortensia’ establishes best when planted in spring or fall in a location receiving full sun, though it tolerates light afternoon shade. Success hinges on providing average, medium, well-drained soil, mirroring the moist conditions found in its native woodland habitats. This plant performs exceptionally well even through hot and humid summers.
Watering should remain consistent, aiming for medium moisture levels, especially during dry spells in its first year of establishment. Fertilization is rarely necessary if the soil quality is decent, though an annual spring application of balanced slow-release fertilizer can boost vigor. Deadheading spent blooms will encourage the plant to produce new flowers, extending the bloom period well into the fall.
A critical management note for Cutleaf coneflower is addressing its spreading habit. Since Rudbeckia laciniata ‘Hortensia’ can spread aggressively via underground stems, gardeners should be prepared to divide large clumps every few years to maintain desired size and prevent encroachment into neighboring plantings. Taller stems may require staking if planted in windy locations or very rich soil, although its robust nature often minimizes this need.
Landscape Uses
The substantial height and long bloom period make Rudbeckia laciniata ‘Hortensia’ ideal for creating visual depth in the garden. Its suggested use as a naturalizing plant means it excels when allowed to drift into meadow-style plantings or along natural water features where its Missouri native parentage can anchor a local habitat design. It is excellent when used as a summer screen due to its density and ability to reach 7 feet.
In traditional border design, this tall cultivar functions perfectly as background planting, framing shorter perennials and shrubs that bloom earlier in the season. When planted in mass, the vibrant yellow of the Cutleaf coneflower creates a stunning late-season focal point. Consider pairing it with plants that appreciate similar moisture levels and bloom contrasting forms, such as blue or purple salvias, or tall ornamental grasses.
For wild or naturalized areas, consider mixing Rudbeckia laciniata ‘Hortensia’ with asters and other late-season bloomers to ensure continuous interest that supports late-season pollinators. It thrives in situations where it can compete slightly, reinforcing its low-maintenance profile in less managed areas of the garden.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
- Good Cut
Noteworthy Characteristics
Rudbeckia laciniata, commonly called tall coneflower, is a Missouri native perennial which naturally occurs in moist soils in rich woodlands, thickets or along streams. Features daisy-like flowers with reflexed yellow rays and dome-like, green center disks, though the ‘Hortensia’ cultivar boasts fully double, 3” diameter, drooping yellow coneflowers with deeply-lobed, dark green leaves. This cultivar, introduced in the Victorian era, offers a long summer bloom period, providing strong visual impact late in the season.
Tolerances
- Deer
Potential Problems
Overall, Rudbeckia laciniata ‘Hortensia’ is remarkably resilient, reporting no serious insect or disease issues under proper cultural conditions. The primary concern gardeners face is management of its aggressive subsurface spread, necessitating routine division every three to four years if it is planted within defined borders. Furthermore, because of its height, ensure that the taller stems of the Cutleaf coneflower are provided necessary support, preventing them from lodging or snapping, particularly after heavy rain or wind events.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Cutleaf coneflower suitable for?
Rudbeckia laciniata ‘Hortensia’ is hardy across a wide range, thriving in USDA Zones 3 through 9.
How large does Cutleaf coneflower grow?
This perennial typically achieves a height between 5 and 7 feet, spreading moderately between 2 and 3 feet wide.
When does Rudbeckia laciniata ‘Hortensia’ bloom?
This variety provides excellent late-season color, blooming consistently from July through September with vivid yellow flowers.
What sun exposure does Rudbeckia laciniata ‘Hortensia’ need?
It performs best when positioned in full sun but exhibits good tolerance for partial shade conditions, requiring at least a few hours of direct light daily.
Conclusion
The inclusion of Rudbeckia laciniata ‘Hortensia’ in your landscape guarantees stunning vertical interest and reliable yellow blooms leading into the fall. Its hardiness across USDA Zones 3-9 and tolerance for heat makes this Cutleaf coneflower a dependable workhorse for large borders or naturalized settings. Before planting, assess your space for adequate height and plan for periodic division to manage its vigorous spreading nature.
Companion Planting
Selecting companions for Rudbeckia laciniata ‘Hortensia’ should focus on plants that share its requirements for medium moisture and full sun to part shade. Consider pairing it with large, late-season bloomers like Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium spp.) or various native Asters (Symphyotrichum spp.) which offer contrasting flower forms and colors. For an interesting juxtaposition of texture, tall Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) complements the sturdy structure of the coneflower beautifully.
Propagation Tips
The most reliable method for increasing your supply of healthy Rudbeckia laciniata ‘Hortensia’ is through division. As noted, the plant spreads via underground stems, and dividing clumps every three to four years keeps the plant vigorous and prevents overcrowding. Perform this division in early spring before new growth begins or in early fall after the foliage has died back. Simply dig up the entire clump and use a sharp spade or knife to carefully separate large sections, ensuring each division has a healthy crown and adequate roots before replanting immediately.
