Digging deeperPlant Library

Early Bird Gold Coneflower flowers

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Other Names:  Orange Coneflower, Black Eyed Susan

Description:

This variety begins blooming earlier, and continues later in the season; ideal for small gardens; beautiful flowers of gold fill the plant through summer until mid-fall, a wonderful fall perennial

Ornamental Features

Early Bird Gold Coneflower has masses of beautiful gold daisy flowers with dark brown eyes at the ends of the stems from early summer to mid fall, which are most effective when planted in groupings. The flowers are excellent for cutting. Its pointy leaves remain dark green in color throughout the season.

Landscape Attributes

Early Bird Gold Coneflower is an herbaceous perennial with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its medium texture blends into the garden, but can always be balanced by a couple of finer or coarser plants for an effective composition.

This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and should be cut back in late fall in preparation for winter. It is a good choice for attracting butterflies to your yard, but is not particularly attractive to deer who tend to leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Early Bird Gold Coneflower is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Mass Planting
• General Garden Use

Planting & Growing

Early Bird Gold Coneflower will grow to be about 18 inches tall at maturity extending to 24 inches tall with the flowers, with a spread of 24 inches. When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 18 inches apart. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 15 years. As an herbaceous perennial, this plant will usually die back to the crown each winter, and will regrow from the base each spring. Be careful not to disturb the crown in late winter when it may not be readily seen!

This plant should only be grown in full sunlight. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This is a selection of a native North American species. It can be propagated by division; however, as a cultivated variety, be aware that it may be subject to certain restrictions or prohibitions on propagation.