Description
An enchanting and showy native perennial coneflower that loves moist locations and full sun, waxy coneflower is a good native equivalent for commonly planted eastern species such as its close relative, black-eyed susan, which is also in the genus Rudbeckia, or Echinacea. Waxy coneflower is endemic to the Klamath-Siskiyou Mountains. Although waxy coneflower typically grows in seeps and along streams on serpentine soil in its native habitat, it takes well to the garden environment as long as regular water is available. The large, wide, basal leaves have a bluish waxy powder on the leaves when the plant is young, hence the name waxy coneflower. From the basal leaves arise long, 3′-4′ stems topped with cheerful 2″-3″ yellow coneflowers. Very similar in appearance to California coneflower (Rudbeckia californica), which doesn’t have the bluish waxy powder on the leaves when young. Waxy coneflower prefers full sun and a visible location where it can shine and put on a vibrant display! Blooms July-September, providing important late-season nectar and pollen for pollinators. Waxy coneflower is highly attractive to many pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and moths. A member of the sunflower or aster family (Asteraceae). Dead heading helps prolong bloom time.
Waxy coneflower (Rudbeckia glaucescens) seed packets contain approximately 170 seeds.
Seed Germination Instructions
30 days cold-moist stratification. Sow outside in fall to early spring.
