Rudbeckia subtomentosa ‘Henry Eilers’

Sweet Coneflower Asteraceae

A distinctive and highly garden-worthy selection of Rudbeckia subtomentosa, forming strong, upright clumps of grey-green, softly hairy foliage with a mild, sweet fragrance. From July into September, the branching stems carry unusual lemon-yellow flowers whose ray florets are rolled lengthwise into narrow quills, surrounding rounded chocolate-brown central cones. The effect is quite unlike the conventional flat-rayed Rudbeckias and makes an excellent late-season feature in the herbaceous border. 

Breeder & introduction: ‘Henry Eilers’ was discovered by Henry Eilers, a nurseryman and prairie conservationist from southern Illinois, growing on a railroad prairie remnant in Montgomery County, Illinois. The selection was subsequently introduced to horticulture by Larry Lowman of Ridgecrest Nursery and Gardens, Arkansas, in 2003. It was named in honour of Eilers, who recognised its exceptional quilled flowers. 

Grow in full sun or partial shade in a fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil. It is adaptable and reasonably drought tolerant once established, although flowering and growth are best with consistent summer moisture. The sturdy stems usually remain upright but may benefit from support in richer soils or partial shade. An excellent prairie and naturalistic plant and a good cut flower. 

Flowering: July–September
Hardiness: H6, approximately –20 to –15°C
Height: 1.2–1.5m
Spread: 0.5–1m