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Key characteristics

Family: Asteraceae
Height: 4-5 feet tall
Width: 2-3 feet wide
Flower color: Yellow petals with a unique tubular shape
Foliage color: Green, finely textured with a slight fuzz
Bloom time: Midsummer to early fall
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low; deadheading can encourage more blooms
Growing zone: USDA Zones 4-8
Wildlife: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators

Perennials

Rudbeckia subtomentosa 'Henry Eilers'

Henry Eilers Black-Eyed Susan

Rudbeckia subtomentosa 'Henry Eilers' is a unique and eye-catching perennial known for its distinctive quilled petals that form star-like yellow blooms. Each flower features narrow, rolled petals surrounding a prominent brown cone, creating a delicate, pinwheel appearance. Blooming from midsummer to early fall, these cheerful flowers bring a bright, warm color to the garden, attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

Native to the prairies and open woodlands of North America, 'Henry Eilers' thrives in sunny, naturalistic settings and is well-suited to prairie or meadow-style plantings.

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Water

Medium

Bloom time

Midsummer to early fall

Find this plant

Works well in

Borders
Cottage Gardens
Pollinator Gardens
Cut Flower Gardens

Companion plants

Bleeding hearts · Catmint · Heucheras · Lady's mantle · Hellebores · Hardy geraniums

Design tip

Late flowers extend the season, so set it behind or beside plants that finish in midsummer. Because it is easy about light, use it to carry a planting from a sunny end of the bed into the shadier side.