The Height of Yellow Coneflowers

The Height of Yellow Coneflowers

Two flower species have a variety known as yellow coneflower: Echinacea paradoxa and Ratibida pinnata. Both species are perennials using Echinacea hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 3 through 9 and Ratibida are hardy in USDA zones 3 through 10. Both flowers look similar, but they do have some differences and vary in height. Black-eyed Susan and sweet coneflower, both from the Rudbeckia spp. are look-a-likes for yellow coneflowers.

Yellow Coneflower (Ratibida spp.)

This yellow coneflower (Ratibida pinnata), also known as prairie coneflower, resembles a black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia spp.) , except it has a globular center cone, rather than a flat disc, and fewer flower rays. This type of yellow coneflower plant grows 2 to 5 feet tall and 1 1/2 foot wide. This coneflower makes a superb addition to wildflower gardens. It’s possible to divide plants in early spring or late autumn to produce more blooms. Flower seeds may self-sow also.

Yellow Coneflower (Echinacea spp.)

Yellow coneflower (Echinacea paradoxa) grows 24 to 36 inches tall and has yellow to yellow-orange, droopy, daisylike flowers. They endure large flowers with a prominent cone-like facility during July and August. These coneflowers require full sunlight to light shade. They develop well in standard soil and require no special treatment. You can spread them in the early spring in northern regions and in fall to the south. Plants readily self-sow.

Sweet Coneflower

Sweet coneflower (Rudbeckia subtomentosa) appears like both types of yellow coneflowers. This plant blooms from mid- to late summer and bears sheer yellow blossom with reddish-brown cones on stems ranging from 3 to 6 ft tall with a 1 to 3 foot spread. Sweet coneflower is a perennial hardy in USDA zones 4 through 8. They prosper in an areas with well-drained soil and full sunlight to partial shade. Plants are propagated by division in spring or fall.

Black-Eyed Susan

Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) appear like yellow coneflowers, however, the blooms have a buttonlike center rather than a cone shape. They develop 3 to 4 feet tall and take 2- to 3-inch wide daisy-like flowers with orange-yellow rays and a purplish-brown center. Black-eyed Susans are biennials mainly grown as annuals. They prosper in well-drained soils but tolerate a wide range of soils. They bloom from summer through early autumn and easily self-sow.

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