Rudbeckia subtomentosa 'Henry Eilers'
Common Name: Sweet Coneflower
If you're looking for something different in fall blooming perennials, check out 'Henry Eilers'. Brilliant yellow starburst flowers measuring two inches across have completely quilled petals and a brown button center. They are presented atop 4-5 foot tall upright stems beginning in August and continue blooming into fall. They blend well with other fall blooming perennials such as asters and ornamental grasses.
'Henry Eilers' was discovered by Mr. Henry Eilers in a wild population of R. subtomentosa growing along a stream bank in Illinois. Mr. Eilers is an expert on the native flora of the Illinois region, a life long horticulturist, and a retired nurseryman.
R. subtomentosa is a tall, narrowly upright plant with fuzzy stems and flowers which are closer to yellow than gold in color. This species is a bit more shade tolerant than R. fulgida. Both fresh and dried foliage alike has the distinct scent of vanilla, an added bonus when used in bouquets.
R. subtomentosa occurs naturally in portions of the midwest, Ozark highlands, and southern Great Plains. It can be found in prairies, along streams, and in open wooded areas.
Rudbeckias like full sun, but they also will do well in partial shade. This species is a bit more shade tolerant than R. fulgida. Plant them in well-drained, average soil. Do not overfeed or overwater. Remove spent flowers to promote rebloom. Rudbeckias are very easy to divide in the spring.
