Coneflower, Black-Eyed Susan Plant Particulars Zones: 3 to 9 Height: 18 inches to 2 feet Spread: Varies by species Shape: Broad clumps of stiff, branched stalks Color: Orange or yellow flowers; green leaves Bloom time: Summer Light needs: Full sun to light shade Soil: Average to rich; well drained Tough, adaptable coneflowers are the perfect perennials to grow if your thumb is more brown than green. Their daisy-like blooms have golden yellow petals and brown or green centers that are either domed or flat. These plants are invaluable for adding bright, long-lasting color to perennial gardens. Plant them with other summer-blooming flowers such as purple coneflowers, Russian sage, garden phlox, sedums, bee balms, and ornamental grasses, such as blue oat grass. Coneflowers also make good, long-lasting cut flowers, so you can enjoy them indoors as well as out in your garden. Pinch off spent flowers to promote rebloom, or let the seedheads form to add winter interest to your garden. To propagate, divide clumps in spring, or dig up self-sown seedlings. You can sow seed outdoors in spring or fall.
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