Black-eyed Susans

Black-Eyed Susan in our yard with a tiny bee on it.

Credit: Sue Day

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Botanical name: Rudbeckia hirta

Plant type: Flower

USDA Hardiness Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Sun exposure: Full Sun, Part Sun

Flower color: Red, Orange, Yellow

Bloom time: Summer, Fall

Black-eyed susans are long-blooming perennials and one of the most common wildflowers grown. They have daisy-like flower heads and deep brown-purple centers. These flowers can tolerate tough conditions and are good for cut flowers; they are also good for borders or in containers.

Planting

• Plant seeds in moist, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade.
• Black-eyed susans grow to be between 1 and 3 feet tall and can spread between 12 to 18 inches, so plant seeds closer to prevent lots of spreading or plant further apart to make a nice border.

Care

• Check your plants regularly to see if they need watering. Make sure they don't dry out.
• Divide your plants every 3 to 4 years to ensure healthy plants and to prevent excessive spreading.
• Be sure to remove faded/dead flowers to prolong blooming.
• You can cut back black-eyed susans after they flower and a second, smaller bloom may occur in late fall.

Pests

• Slugs and snails
• Aphids
• Powdery mildew
• Rust
• Smut
• Leaf spots

Recommended Varieties

• Becky Mixed, which offers a variety of colors for your garden, such as lemon-yellow, golden-yellow, dark red, and reddish-brown.
• Sonora, which has bright yellow flowers.
• Toto, which is a dwarf type and ideal for containers.

E-cards

Click here to send a free e-card of this pretty black-eyed susan.

Special Features

• Attracts Butterflies