Clasping coneflower Seeds - Rudbeckia amplexicaulis

Rudbeckia amplexicaulis, sometimes called Dracopis amplexicaulis or Clasping Coneflower, is an ephemeral perennial that is cultivated as an annual or biennial. It is easy to grow and will not last more than 2 to 3 years because it is vulnerable to frost, especially in humid conditions.

Rudbeckia amplexicaulis is a medium-sized plant (45/60 cm) recognizable by its unique sombrero-shaped flowers.

The foliage consists of a mound of blue-green, toothed, lanceolate, 5 to 10 cm long basal leaves, from which sturdy, branched flower stems grow. The stems bear narrower, rather oval-shaped cauline leaves.

The flowers of Rudbeckia amplexicaulis are large solitary daisies (pseudanthia) with a prominent black centre and yellow drooping corolla. The long petals are regularly arranged around the centre of the flower which reaches a diameter varying from 5 to 7 cm. The large number of flowers which renew themselves continuously from July to September, form a remarkable blooming mass among other perennials and annuals. This flowerbed is a source of fresh flowers for making bouquets.

At the end of summer, the yellow and orange petals fade and fall, while the cone-shaped centre of the flowers dries and mummifies. Here again the flowers can be picked and incorporated into a dried flower bouquet.

Clasping Coneflower likes warm and sunny situations. In terms of soil, it prefers a rich, moist and most importantly, well-drained soil.

Ecological benefit : All summer long, the melliferous flowers of the Rudbeckias attract pollinating insects and butterflies to your garden. This is a good way to improve the ecosystem of your garden and to promote the production of fruit and vegetables in your vegetable garden. In autumn, you will be able to admire the incessant ballet of birds that come to feed on the mature seeds they find in the heart of the dried flowers.