Black-Eyed Susan

Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)

Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) is a beloved, native wildflower admired for its vibrant golden-yellow petals and contrasting dark brown centers. This iconic summer bloomer adds bright color, refined texture, and an ecological focal point to meadows, borders, and pollinator-friendly gardens.

Distinctive Features

'Rudbeckia hirta' produces large, daisy-like blooms from early summer through fall, providing weeks of vibrant color. The dark, cone-shaped centers contrast beautifully with the bright yellow petals, attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators. Its coarse, hairy foliage adds texture to plantings, and the seed heads provide a valuable food source for birds in late fall and winter. Though often grown as a short-lived perennial or biennial, it readily self-seeds, ensuring a lasting presence in naturalized gardens.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun; requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
• Soil: Prefers well-drained, moderately fertile soil but adapts to dry or poor soils.
• Water: Requires moderate watering; drought-tolerant once established.
• Humidity: Tolerates a range of humidity levels.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9, adaptable to temperate climates.

Ideal Uses

• Pollinator Gardens: Attracts bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects.
• Bird Gardens: Seed heads provide food for birds in fall and winter.
• Naturalized Plantings: Ideal for meadows, prairies, and wildflower landscapes.
• Cut Flower Gardens: Bright, long-lasting blooms are excellent for fresh arrangements.
• Border Plantings: Adds bold color and texture to garden edges.

Low Maintenance Care

Black-Eyed Susan is a hardy, low-maintenance plant that thrives with minimal care once established.

• Watering: Water regularly during establishment; drought-tolerant once mature.
• Pruning: Deadhead spent flowers to encourage prolonged blooming or leave seed heads for wildlife.
• Fertilizing: Minimal fertilization is required; apply compost in early spring if desired.
• Pest and Disease Resistance: Resistant to deer, rabbits, and most common pests.
• Winter Care: Leave seed heads for winter interest and wildlife food; cut back dead foliage in early spring.

Why Choose Black-Eyed Susan?

Black-Eyed Susan offers classic beauty, pollinator support, and reliable performance, making it an essential choice for naturalized and pollinator-friendly landscapes.

• Bright, Golden-Yellow Blooms: Provides weeks of vibrant color from early summer through fall.
• Wildlife Support: Attracts pollinators and provides food for birds.
• Self-Seeding: Readily naturalizes and returns year after year.
• Low Maintenance: Thrives with minimal care and adapts to a range of soils.
• Deer Resistant: Foliage is unappealing to browsing animals.

For bold color, pollinator support, and lasting natural beauty, Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) is an essential focal point choice for naturalized and pollinator-friendly landscapes.