Rudbeckia subtomentosa ‘Henry Eilers’

We have come to love this tall perennial, mainly for its excellent garden performance. It flowers nicely even in extremely hot years. The species, Rubeckia subtomentosa, is native to parts of Eastern Oklahoma although this selection, with its one of a kind quilled (fluted/rolled like tubes) ray florets, was discovered in Southern Illinois by retired horticulturist nurseryman Henry Eilers (pronounced Eye-lers). Great for butterflies and use as a cutflower, it is called Sweet Coneflower because the leaves have a subtle vanilla fragrance.