Rudbeckia nitida is like the faithful dog of my garden, a perennial that gives without asking much other than a kind word now and again. Common name is Shining Coneflower, often sold as Black-eyed Susan Herbstonne or Herbstone, and it is a late summer perennial of the classic black-eyed Susan tradition: easy to grow, irrepressible in demeanor, and for me at least, impossible not to like. There are two primary differences between Rudbeckia nitida and most of the black-eyed Susans we know.

First, the color of the flowers are a little less golden (more of a pure yellow) and second, Shining Coneflower grows up to 8 feet tall. For most of the season, growth is confined to a tidy bundle eighteen inches or so tall and a couple of feet across. In late summer, sturdy stalks meander upwards to a mass of bloom. Form is relaxed; it would be stately except for its casual exuberance. Perfect in a cottage garden or a meadow.

Shining Coneflower has no pests to speak of, and even deer seem to prefer to forage other garden plants. The stalks do not need staking, which is good, since I’ve yet to find a garden plant that I am willing to coddle. Grab yourself some Rudbeckia nitida and stuff it in a hole and it’ll go. I even move it around in the heat of summer; no matter. A remarkable perennial that deserves a place in our gardens. There have been times when I haven’t given Shining Coneflower its due, mostly because it’s so easy to grow. That mistake won’t be one I make again.

Native Perennial


Rudbeckia is native to the U.S., although wild distribution seems to be limited to relatively small areas in Georgia, Alabama, and Florida.

Look for it online or at the nursery as Rudbeckia or Black-eyed Susan ‘Herbstonne’.

Common Name: Shining Coneflower, Black-eyed Susan ‘Herbstonne’
Scientific Name: Rudbeckia nitida
Classification: Perennial
Native to: United States, current distributions in Alabama, Florida, Georgia
Zones: 4 - 10
Flowers: Yellow petals surround black center less golden than most black-eyed susans.
Flowering Season: Late summer.
Flower Size: 2-3 inches
Growth Habit: Tall, 5-8 feet. Does not need staking.
Use: Back of borders, native gardens, meadows, wildflower gardening
Ease of Culture: Easy.
Sunlight: Direct to mostly Sun
Water Requirements: Rain is enough.
Soil Requirements: Not too particular.

By: Barrie Collins
Barrie Collins is lead editor for http://www.gardenmob.com an interactive guide to garden perennials, roses, and shrubbery, including photographs and descriptions of hundreds of garden plants. Home to the Snidely Whiplash Awards in Garden Villainry, the Mighty Garden Blog Directory and "Never (Ever) Grow This Plant".

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