Coneflower
Prairie Glow Rudbeckia is a hardy perennial flowering plant native to prairie ecosystems, celebrated for its vibrant blooms that light up gardens from early summer through late fall. This cultivar of Rudbeckia triloba thrives in hardiness zones 4 through 4, reaching 36 to 60 inches tall with a compact 30-inch spread, making it substantial enough to command attention in any border. The plant tolerates drought once established and actively attracts pollinators, while deer leave it untouched, giving it genuine staying power in gardens where other plants struggle.
Full Sun
Moderate
4-4
60in H x 30in W
Perennial
Moderate
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This prairie native combines genuine toughness with months of continuous color, blooming reliably from June through November in the right conditions. Deer resistance and drought tolerance mean once established, it demands far less fussing than typical garden flowers. The abundant blooms attract bees and butterflies throughout the season, turning your garden into a living pollinator cafe while requiring moderate water and full sun exposure.
Prairie Glow Rudbeckia excels in pollinator gardens, native plant landscapes, and cottage-style borders where its long blooming window ensures color from midsummer deep into fall. The sturdy stems and prolific flowers make it valuable in cut flower arrangements, and its deer resistance means it thrives in gardens where browsing pressure eliminates other perennials.
For indoor seed starting, stratify seeds for 30 to 60 days before sowing. Mix seeds with damp clean sand or vermiculite, place in a bag, and refrigerate at 35 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Check frequently for germination and maintain a lightly moist medium. Transplant any seedlings as they germinate rather than waiting for all to sprout. After the chilling period, germination occurs within 10 to 30 days at temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Transplant seedlings into prepared outdoor beds once the risk of frost has passed in your zone. Space plants 2 inches apart to allow for mature width of 30 inches and to ensure adequate air circulation for disease prevention.
Direct sow in fall to early spring into prepared garden beds. Surface sow and lightly press seeds into soil.
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