Species of Rudbeckia, often known as black-eyed Susan or coneflower, are used as bedding plants in UK gardens. The large, daisy-like flowerheads typically have bright yellow petals and a conspicuous black centre which may be raised into a cone shape. During the summer of 2016, Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii cv. Goldsturm plants, purchased in the preceding May from a nursery in south-east England, were observed with black leaf spots in outdoor beds at the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Garden Wisley. Lower leaves exhibited small black lesions in July, which coalesced as the season progressed leading to complete necrosis of the bottom leaves and spotting on higher leaves. Spots showed no halos and became necrotic only later in the season. Flowering did not appear to be reduced.
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