What's the secret to a vibrant, long-lasting garden? It might be the black-eyed Susans, also known as Rudbeckia. These flowers are easy to care for and bring bright colors to gardens from late spring to fall.
Black-eyed Susans have bright yellow petals and dark centers. They are a key summer flower that brightens any garden. These plants are easy to grow and keep deer away. They're great for both new and experienced gardeners.
Want a garden that attracts pollinators or adds color all season? Learning how to care for black-eyed Susans is key to success.
Introduction to Black-Eyed Susans
Black-eyed Susans, or Rudbeckia, are part of the sunflower family (Asteraceae). They are native to the central United States. These plants are known for their daisy-like flowers with yellow or orange petals and a dark center.
They come in both annual and perennial types, with perennials being more common. Black-eyed Susans grow well in various soils and conditions. They bloom for many weeks, making them perfect for summer gardens.
These plants are great for attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. They are also deer-resistant.
The Rudbeckia genus has about 25 native species. R. hirta is a short-lived perennial that grows 1 to 3 feet tall. R. fulgida has smaller flowers but more of them than R. hirta. There are many cultivars, offering different flower sizes, colors, and growth habits for gardens.
- Black-eyed Susans are native to North America, with a natural range east of the Rocky Mountains.
- The Rudbeckia genus includes approximately 25 native species, each with unique characteristics.
- Rudbeckia plants are valued for their long-lasting blooms, ability to attract pollinators, and deer-resistant qualities.
- There are numerous cultivars of Black-eyed Susans available, offering a diverse range of flower sizes, colors, and growth habits.
How to Plant Black-Eyed Susans
Black-eyed Susans, also known as Rudbeckia, can be planted in the spring or fall. Planting in the spring is after the last frost. In the fall, plant before the cold weather starts.
When starting with seeds, put them in the ground about six weeks before the last frost. For plants you move, keep them 18 inches apart. Make sure the soil is well-drained and free of weeds.
Black-eyed Susans love the sun but can handle some shade. They can survive with little water once they're grown. But, it's best to water them regularly the first year they grow. These plants spread on their own, so cutting off the flowers after they bloom helps keep them in check.
- Plant black-eyed Susans in the spring or fall for best results
- Sow seeds 6 weeks before last expected frost
- Space transplants 18 inches apart in well-drained, weed-free soil
- Black-eyed Susans prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade
- Water regularly during the first growing season
- Deadhead spent flowers to control self-seeding
By following these tips, you can have beautiful black-eyed Susans in your garden all season. They're easy to care for and add color and beauty to your yard.
Growing and Care Tips for Black-Eyed Susans
Black-eyed Susans are easy to care for and do well in many types of soil. They need soil that drains well and isn't too wet. These plants love warm weather, especially when it's above 60°F.
They don't need much food, doing well even in poor soil. To keep them blooming longer, remove dead flowers. Cutting them back in the fall also helps them survive the winter. These plants usually don't get pests or diseases, but they might get powdery mildew in very hot, humid places. Keeping them well-spaced and well-ventilated can stop this.
Black-eyed Susans need full sun, getting at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight daily. They can grow from 18 inches to 6 feet tall. Plant them in the spring or early fall for the best growth.
To help them grow, use Miracle-Gro® Garden Soil for Flowers where you plant them. Feeding them Miracle-Gro® Shake 'n Feed® Rose & Bloom Plant Food can make their flowers more colorful. But, be careful not to overwater them, as this can cause more harm than good.
Splitting black-eyed Susans in the spring stops them from getting too crowded and helps them grow better. These plants are hardy in US zones 3-9 and come in both annual and perennial types. Rudbeckia hirta is the most common type, known for its bright, long-lasting flowers.
| Care Tip | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Soil Type | Well-drained, not consistently soggy |
| Temperature | Optimal range of 60°F and above |
| Fertilization | Minimal, as they grow well in poor soil |
| Deadheading | Can prolong bloom period |
| Pruning | Cutting back in the fall helps overwinter |
| Pest and Disease | Generally resistant, but susceptible to powdery mildew in hot, humid conditions |
Popular Varieties of Black-Eyed Susans
There are over two dozen wild Black-eyed Susans in North America. Plant breeders have created many varieties. Each one has its own flower colors, sizes, and how it grows. Some top choices include:
- 'Goldsturm': A hardy perennial with 3- to 4-inch bright yellow blooms.
- 'Cherokee Sunset': An annual with warm autumnal hues.
- 'Toto Lemon': A compact dwarf variety with cheery lemon-yellow flowers.
- 'Early Bird Gold': A day-neutral perennial with an extended bloom time.
- 'Prairie Sun': Features light green centers surrounded by peachy-orange petals.
Other great options are 'Indian Summer' with big 9-inch flowers, and 'Herbstsonne' (Autumn Sun), which can grow 4- to 7-feet tall. These choices let gardeners pick the best Black-eyed Susans for their gardens. Whether for pots, borders, or wild areas, there's a variety for everyone.
Companion Plants for Black-Eyed Susans
Black-eyed Susans are a favorite for summer gardens. They match well with many plants. Their bright colors complement flowers like Russian sage and purple coneflower.
They also pair well with blooms like sedum 'Autumn Joy' and New England asters. The tall stems of black-eyed Susans add height to borders. They also spread on their own, filling in gaps for a natural look.
Some great plants to grow with black-eyed Susans include:
- Shrubs: Red twig dogwood, choisya, elderberry, smoke bush, and barberry
- Native shrubs: Snowberry, Oregon grape, mock orange, and serviceberry
- Perennials: Globe thistle, sea holly, Russian sage, baptisia, agastache, salvia, poppies, and yarrow
- Tall ornamental grasses and Joe pye weed for movement
- Annuals: Dill, cilantro, marigolds, cosmos, and nasturtium
- Black-eyed Susan vine (Thunbergia alata) in containers
These plants make black-eyed Susans look even better. They add beauty and variety to your garden. Make sure they all like full sun and well-drained soil.
| Companion Plant | Flower Color |
|---|---|
| Coneflowers | Purple, Pink, White, Red, Orange, Magenta, Multi-colored |
| Blanket Flowers | Yellow, Orange, Red |
| Common Yarrow | White, Yellow, Red, Pink |
| Salvia | Purple, Purple-blue, Lavender, White, Pink, Red |
| Lavender | Purple, Lavender |
| Agastache Texas Hummingbird Mint | Blue |
| Autumn Joy Sedum | Pink |
| Michaelmas Daisy | Purple, Pink |
Conclusion
Black-eyed Susans are a favorite in many gardens, offering long-lasting, cheerful blooms. They are easy to grow and care for, perfect for all gardeners. Plant them in mass, borders, or containers to add color and beauty to your landscape.
These flowers are great because they work well with many other summer flowers. They are also drought-tolerant and resistant to pests. Plus, they attract many types of wildlife, making your garden a lively place.
As summer ends, black-eyed Susans remind us of nature's beauty and strength. Their blooms last long and need little care. These flowers will continue to enchant gardeners for many years.
