THESE are brilliant perennials for dazzling the late summer and autumn border with their showy, yellow or orange daisy-like flowers.
They are called coneflowers because their petals hang down, making the dark central cone stand out.
Heights range from 60cm (24in) to more than 180cm (72in), depending on the variety.
The taller ones need staking, but apart from that they are easy to grow, given full sun and a reasonably fertile, moist soil. The smaller types look great in fiery displays with red hot pokers, while taller ones can be paired at the back of a border with late-flowering clematis.
R. fulgida varieties are excellent, with lots of flowers right into October. Try R.
fulgida sullivanti Goldsturm, a double variety with masses of yellow flowers, or R. Herbstsonne if you want a tall variety which flowers for ages.
Cut them down to ground level in late autumn after flowering
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article