Plant Encyclopedia

Black-eyed Susan

Rudbeckia hirta

Learn more

The Landscaper's 
Choice

AVN succeeds by helping you & your business succeed.

  • 6 Locations

  • Plant Experts

  • +100 years in the industry

  • +2000 Plants

Black-eyed Susan

Discover More Information On Black-eyed Susan

Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) is a hardy herbaceous perennial known for its vibrant yellow or orange-yellow petals surrounding dark brown centers. This popular wildflower, native to the central United States, adds bold visual interest to gardens, borders, and naturalized areas. Blooming from June to September, it attracts pollinators like butterflies while tolerating drought, deer, and clay soil. Its easy-care nature and abundant blooms make it an essential choice for any landscape.

Plant Attributes

The Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) is cherished for its striking blooms and low-maintenance requirements. It thrives in USDA Zones 3 to 7 and performs well in full sun with medium watering. Its flowers measure around 3 inches in diameter, with yellow to orange-yellow petals and dark brown centers. Growing 2 to 3 feet tall with a spread of 1 to 2 feet, this plant is an ideal choice for garden borders, meadows, and mass plantings.

One of the plant's notable features is its tolerance for drought, heat, and less-than-ideal soil conditions, including clay. While it prefers moist, well-drained soil, Black-eyed Susan adapts well to a wide range of environments, making it versatile for various garden settings.

Landscape Use

The Black-eyed Susan is an incredibly versatile plant, suitable for a range of landscaping applications due to its adaptability and vibrant floral display. Here are some popular uses:

  • Garden Borders: Its upright growth habit and striking blooms make it a perfect choice for adding color and texture along walkways, driveways, or garden edges.
  • Naturalized Areas: Whether in a meadow or a wildflower garden, Black-eyed Susan thrives in more natural settings, adding a splash of color to prairies or open fields.
  • Pollinator Gardens: With its ability to attract butterflies, bees, and other pollinators, it is an essential addition to wildlife-friendly gardens.
  • Mass Planting: Its bold appearance makes it ideal for mass plantings in open areas, creating a striking visual impact.
  • Cut Flowers: Black-eyed Susan’s long-lasting blooms make them excellent for floral arrangements, adding vibrant color to indoor spaces.

Planting & Care

To ensure your Black-eyed Susan thrives and provides vibrant blooms, here are some essential planting and care tips:

  • Planting Location: Choose a sunny location, as Black-eyed Susan needs full sun to bloom its best. It requires at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily.
  • Soil Preparation: Although it is adaptable to various soil types, well-drained and slightly moist soil rich in organic matter is ideal for optimal growth. Avoid waterlogged areas, as the plant dislikes soggy conditions.
  • Planting: Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball. Gently loosen the roots before planting. Place the plant in the hole, making sure the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Water thoroughly after planting.
  • Watering: Black-eyed Susan has medium water needs and is drought-tolerant once established. Regular watering during the first growing season helps establish deep roots, but afterward, it only requires watering during prolonged dry periods.
  • Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Keep mulch away from the stems to prevent rot.
  • Fertilizing: A light application of balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring promotes healthy growth and blooms, though the plant does not require heavy fertilization.
  • Deadheading: Remove spent flowers to encourage additional blooms and prevent unwanted self-seeding. Deadheading also helps keep the plant tidy.
  • Pruning: In late winter or early spring, prune back dead or damaged stems. For compact, bushier growth, you can also cut back the plant after the first round of blooming.

Additional Information

Interested in

Black-eyed Susan

?

Plant Features

  • Height: 2-3 feet
  • Width: 1-2 feet
  • Zones: 3-7
  • Bloom Time: June to September
  • Flower Color: Yellow to orange-yellow
  • Sun Requirements: Full sun
  • Water Needs: Medium
  • Maintenance: Low
Questions?

Interested in a particular plant or have questions?
Please don't hesitate to contact us via this form or email, and we will reply as soon as possible.

Message sent! Thank you.

An error has occurred somewhere and it is not possible to submit the form. Please try again later or contact us via email.