How to Grow Black Eyed Susan

Are you growing rudbeckia hirta in your flower garden yet? If not, you should! Learn about black eyed susan care and how to enjoy the flowers with these simple tips.

One of my favorite easy-care perennials to grow is rudbeckia.

This flower, also known as black-eyed Susan, is a must-have for any garden.

It is easy to grow and care for while adding a splash of vibrant color to your outdoor spaces.

Today, we are chatting about how to grow rudbeckia and get the most out of it in your garden.

If you aren’t already growing black-eyed susans, I’m sure you will be after today.

Wait until you see how fun rudbeckia is to grow!

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Is Rudbeckia the Same as Black Eyed Susan

Yes, Rudbeckia is the scientific name for the plant commonly known as black-eyed Susan. It is a member of the Asteraceae family and is native to North America.

There are many different varieties of Rudbeckia, but they are all commonly referred to as black-eyed Susan.

About Black Eyed Susan

Rudbeckia is a hardy perennial that can grow up to 2-4 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide. It blooms in late summer and early fall with bright gold petals surrounding a dark center.

Hardy to zones 3-8, rudbeckia prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade. Plant rudbeckia in well-drained soil, but it is also pretty adaptable to most soil conditions.

Depending on the variety you have, black-eyed susans look best in the middle to back of the border for the most aesthetically pleasing design.

However, there are varieties that are smaller and more compact that looks wonderful planted in front of the border.

The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making it a great addition to any pollinator garden.

How to Care for Rudbeckia

Rudbeckia is a low-maintenance plant that requires little care. Once established, it can even tolerate drought and heat.

While there are no serious insect or disease problems, black-eyed susans are susceptible to powdery mildew. To help prevent it, always water the base of plants instead of watering from above. And make it a point to water in the early morning instead of later in the day.

Slugs and snails can be a problem so keep an eye out for them. And if they become an issue, you can use this organic bait to combat them.

It is important to water it regularly during the first year of growth to help establish its roots. In the following years, it may only need watering during periods of prolonged drought.

Fertilizing is not necessary. Instead, focus on improving your soil quality by adding compost, aged manure, and leaf mold.

Every few years, divide rudbeckia in spring or fall to maintain plant health, avoid overcrowding, and grow your garden for free.

How to Plant Black Eyed Susan

Rudbeckia can be grown from seed or purchased as a plant. If starting from seed, it should be planted in the spring or fall.

The seeds should be planted about ¼ inch deep and spaced about 6-12 inches apart. Once the seedlings are established, they can be thinned to one plant every 12-18 inches.

If purchasing a plant, it can be planted in the spring or fall as well. The hole should be dug to the same depth as the pot and twice as wide. Backfill with garden soil and water thoroughly.

Where is the Best Place to Plant Rudbeckia?

Rudbeckia is a versatile plant that can be grown in a variety of locations, including full sun to partial shade.

However, for best results, it is recommended to plant Rudbeckia in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.

The plant prefers well-drained soil that is slightly acidic to neutral (pH between 6.0 and 7.5) and can tolerate a range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soil.

When selecting a planting site, it is important to consider the plant’s mature size and growth habits. Rudbeckia can range in height from a few inches to several feet, depending on the variety. Taller varieties may require staking to prevent them from falling over in windy conditions.

Rudbeckia also makes a great addition to wildflower meadows, prairies, and other naturalized areas.

When planting in these settings, it is recommended to sow seeds in the fall or early spring, and to avoid using herbicides or other chemicals that could harm the plant or its pollinators.

How to Divide Black-Eyed Susans

Rudbeckia should be divided every three to four years to prevent overcrowding and to keep it healthy.

The best time to divide is in the early spring as the plant starts breaking ground or in fall when it starts to go dormant.

To divide, dig up the entire clump and separate it into smaller pieces.

Each division should have a healthy root system. Replant each division at the same depth as before, and water thoroughly.

5 Reasons You Should Grow Rudbeckia This Year

If you are not already growing black-eyed susan in your garden, here are 5 reasons you should plant some this year.

• Easy to grow
• Has a long blooming period
• Attracts pollinators
• Beautiful flowers that look great in different garden styles
• Divides easily

Does Rudbeckia Bloom Every Year?

Yes, Rudbeckia is a perennial plant that typically blooms every year. Once established, it will come back year after year, producing its bright and cheerful flowers in late summer through early fall.

However, it is important to note that the blooming period may vary depending on the growing conditions and the specific variety of rudbeckia you have planted.

In order to ensure healthy and consistent blooms, provide your Rudbeckia with proper care, including adequate sunlight, water, and nutrients.

For best results, divide the plant every few years to maintain its overall health so the blooms continue for several years.

I planted rudbeckia in my former garden the first year we moved in and it continues to bloom today more than 20 years later.

Are Echinacea and Rudbeckia the Same?

Echinacea and Rudbeckia are not the same plants, but they do share some similarities. Both plants are members of the Asteraceae family and are native to North America.

They are also both popular choices for gardeners looking to add color and pollinator-friendly plants to their landscapes.

Echinacea, commonly known as coneflower, produces daisy-like flowers with prominent central cones that are typically pink, purple, or white.

Rudbeckia, also known as black-eyed Susan, produces similar daisy-like flowers with distinctive dark centers surrounded by bright gold petals.

While both plants are low-maintenance and relatively easy to grow, they have some differences in terms of their growing requirements and overall appearance.

For example, echinacea tends to be taller and more upright, while Rudbeckia is often shorter and more spreading in habit. Additionally, rudbeckia is slightly more adaptable with varying soil types versus coneflowers.

Overall, while echinacea and Rudbeckia are not the same plant, they look great together and can be complementary additions to any garden type.

Do You Cut Black-Eyed Susans in Fall?

Whether or not you should cut down black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia) in the fall depends on your specific growing conditions and preferences.

If you live in an area with mild winters, you may choose to leave the plants standing through the fall and winter. The dried seed heads of Rudbeckia can provide food for birds and other wildlife, as well as a habitat for pollinators. Dried plants can also add interest to your winter garden.

However, if you live in an area with harsh winter weather, you may choose to cut back the plants in the fall to neaten up the garden’s aesthetic.

This can help make it easier to clean up the garden in the spring. Additionally, cutting back the plants in fall can help prevent the spread of diseases or pests that may overwinter in plant debris left behind.

If you choose to cut back rudbeckia in the fall, wait until the plant has totally finished blooming and the foliage begins to yellow and dies back.

As an aside, the plant looks really pretty in fall as it yellows, so I recommend leaving it until the plant completely dies back before cutting it to the ground.

Use a pair of clean garden shears to cut the stems back to a few inches above the ground, being careful not to damage any new growth that may be emerging from the base of the plant, if there is any.

If the plant had any signs of pest or disease problems during the growing season, remove all plant debris and do not compost it.

Should You Deadhead Black-Eyed Susans?

Deadheading black-eyed Susans is a matter of personal preference, but it can help to promote more blooms and a longer blooming season.

Deadheading refers to the practice of removing spent flowers from a plant before they have a chance to produce seeds.

By doing so, you encourage the plant to put more energy into producing new blooms rather than putting energy into seed production. This can lead to a longer blooming period and a more vigorous plant.

To deadhead Rudbeckia, wait until the flowers have started to fade and the petals have begun to wilt.

Then, use a pair of clean garden snips or pruners to cut the stem just below the spent flower, being careful not to damage any new growth or emerging buds.

You can continue to deadhead the plant throughout the growing season as new blooms appear.

However, if you prefer a more natural look in your garden or want to encourage seed production for wildlife, you can opt to not deadhead your Rudbeckia.

The dried seed heads can provide food and shelter for birds and other wildlife, and can add interest to your garden throughout the fall and winter.

Can You Grow Black-Eyed Susans in Containers?

Yes! In fact, growing black-eyed susans in containers are a popular option for gardeners who have limited space or want to add a burst of color to outdoor living spaces where planting in the ground is not feasible.

For best results, here’s what you need to know.

• Choose a container with a diameter of at least 12 to 16 inches and a depth of at least 12 to 18 inches depending on the size of the plant you purchase. Make sure the container has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape and prevent waterlogging.
• Use a well-draining potting mix.
• Plant one rudbeckia plant per container.
• Maintain containers in full sun with at least 5-6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Rotate the container periodically to ensure even sunlight exposure on all sides of the plant.
• Containers dry out faster than the ground, so it’s important to water them regularly, checking the soil moisture level with your finger or a moisture meter. Avoid overwatering, as soggy soil can lead to root rot. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out slightly between watering.
• Fertilize rudbeckia in containers with a balanced water-soluble fertilizer formulated for flowering plants and follow the package instructions for application rates and frequency.
• While you can grow them as an annual if you want them to return yearly, plant rudbeckia varieties that are at least 2 zones higher than your current hardiness zone.

Favorite Varieties of Black Eyed Susan

There are many different varieties of black-eyed Susan to choose from, each with their own unique characteristics and growing requirements.

Here are a few popular varieties that gardeners often enjoy.

1. ‘Goldsturm’ – This is perhaps the most popular cultivar of Rudbeckia, with bright golden-yellow flowers that have dark brown centers. It blooms from midsummer to early fall and can reach up to 2 feet tall.
2. ‘Denver Daisy’ – This variety has bright yellow petals with a dark center and a distinctive red ring around the center disk. It is a compact plant, reaching about 1-2 feet tall, and blooms from midsummer to early fall.
3. ‘Cherokee Sunset’ – This cultivar has unique, double, and semi-double flowers in shades of yellow, orange, and red. It can reach up to 3 feet tall and blooms from midsummer to early fall.
4. ‘Prairie Sun’ – This variety has pale yellow petals that fade to creamy white at the tips and a dark green center. It can reach up to 3 feet tall and blooms from midsummer to early fall.
5. ‘Little Goldstar’ – This is a compact variety that reaches only 12-18 inches tall and has bright yellow flowers with a dark center. It blooms from midsummer to early fall and is well-suited for container gardens or smaller garden spaces.

These are just a few examples of the many different varieties of Rudbeckia available.

When choosing a variety for your garden, consider your growing conditions, the size and shape of the plant, and the color and style of the flowers to find the perfect fit for your landscape.

More About Black-Eyed Susans

Do you grow black-eyed susans? What are your best tips? I would love to know more in the comments below.

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Garden Supplies I Use

I’m often asked about the garden supplies and tools that I use most. From pruners to deer repellents, here are some of my favorites in no particular order.

• I like to use a good-quality garden soil, compost, and perlite when planting.
• I have used this deer repellent with great success. But now, I’m all about this deer repellent that is systemic instead of topical. This means the plant takes it in as opposed to it just smelling bad.
• Hands down this is my favorite hand-weeding tool. You can use to get underneath roots, loosen soil, and it cuts down on the weeding time because you work much faster.
• But I also love this long, stand-up weeding tool to really get around roses from afar.
• I like to use THIS ORGANIC FERTILIZER for roses because the blooms are more prolific and it’s organic.
• You’ll need a sharp set of pruners when working with plants and flowers. I buy a few so I can stash them around.
• Where pest and disease problems are concerned, I generally use this insecticidal soap or neem oil to help control infestations depending on the issue.
• This is my favorite set-and-forget slow-release fertilizer for houseplants, annuals, and container gardens.
• Whenever I stake my peonies or other plants, I generally use these grow through garden supports because they work really well and keep the blooms upright.

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