Rudbeckia maxima aka Cabbage Coneflower
Taxonomy
Rudbeckia maxima, also known as the great coneflower, is a tall herbaceous perennial in the Asteraceae family. This ornamental plant can reach a maximum height of eight feet and produces a mound of large, smooth, blue-grey leaves. From midsummer to mid-autumn, the plant produces yellow-petalled daisy flowers with central dark brown to black cones. Once it produces seeds, finches and other small birds are attracted to feed on them. Great Coneflower is a super rare houseplant that thrives with regular watering and long-lasting, direct light, preferably less than 1 foot from a window. It prefers well-draining soil and does not require added fertilizers if repotted each time it doubles in size. Native to Central and Southern United States, this plant belongs to the Rudbeckia genus.
Common names
Cabbage Coneflower, Great Coneflower, Giant ConeflowerHow to care for Cabbage Coneflower
Difficulty
Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Cabbage Coneflower due to its easy-going nature.
Water
Cabbage Coneflower should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Cabbage Coneflower loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Lighting
Cabbage Coneflower thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Giant Coneflower.
Toxicity
The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.
Fertilizer
Repotting the Cabbage Coneflower is necessary either when it has doubled in size or once every year, whichever happens first. With fresh potting soil replenished annually, the plant will receive all the necessary nutrients, rendering the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that the source of a plant's energy is the sun, not fertilizer.
Growth-pattern
The Cabbage Coneflower is a clump-forming species, with new growth originating from the soil surrounding the main plant.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Rudbeckia Genus
Rudbeckia hirta Blackeyed Susan
Rudbeckia laciniata Cutleaf Coneflower
Rudbeckia occidentalis Western Coneflower
Rudbeckia triloba Brown Eyed Susan
Rudbeckia californica California Coneflower
Rudbeckia amplexicaulis Clasping Leaf Coneflower
Rudbeckia subtomentosa Sweet Coneflower
Rudbeckia fulgida Black Eyed Susan
