'Henry Eilers' Sweet Coneflower

This tall (3’-5’) sweet coneflower (Rubeckia subtomentosa) is a spectacular perennial and is known for a reliable long period of bloom (late July - late September) and unique, yellow fused petals that give the blooms a “quill-like” effect. The rolled or “fluted” petals make each flower look like a yellow asterisk in the garden. In regards to this variety…from the Missouri Botanic Garden…The cultivar was discovered by Henry Eilers, a well-known nurseryman in southern Illinois, and was introduced by Larry Lowman of Ridgecrest Nursery and Gardens in Wynne, Arkansas in 2003. This native species can tolerate drought, dry soils, clay soils and the deer tend to leave it alone. When this variety came out on the market, I immediately grew it and it was fantastic. In wetter years, we can see it get almost 6’ tall. A couple years ago, a selection called ‘Little Henry’ came out and offers a more compact height of 3’ with the same, lengthy bloom time and showy characteristics. This is one of my favorite perennials and never fails to impress the viewer! Great for butterflies and an excellent plant for the mixed border.