How to Grow Black-Eyed Susans (Rudbeckia) in a Low-Maintenance Garden

Learn how to grow black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia) with simple planting, care, and growing tips for long-lasting summer blooms.

One of my favorite easy-care perennials to grow is black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia). I’ve been growing several different varieties in my gardens for nearly 30 years because they are dependable, long blooming, and incredibly easy to care for. They bring cheerful color from midsummer into fall, attract lots of pollinators, and make wonderful cut flowers for bouquets.

If you’re designing a low-maintenance cottage garden, black-eyed Susans are one of those hardworking plants that earn their space. I rely on them to add bright pops of color and texture alongside other easy-care perennials, and they return year after year with very little effort.

In this guide, I’ll share how I grow rudbeckia in my Zone 6b garden, including planting, care, favorite varieties, and simple tips to help you enjoy healthy plants and beautiful blooms for years to come.

(Posts on stacyling.com may contain affiliate links. Click HERE for full disclosure.)

Growing Rudbeckia

In my garden, rudbeckia has become one of the most dependable perennials for carrying color from midsummer into fall. I love using different varieties throughout my beds because they attract pollinators, look beautiful in bouquets, and require very little maintenance once established.

Rudbeckia, commonly known as black-eyed Susan, is a hardy perennial that typically grows 2 to 4 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide, depending on the variety. Its cheerful, daisy-like flowers bloom in shades of yellow, gold, and orange with the familiar dark center that gives the plant its common name.

Hardy in USDA Zones 3-9, black-eyed Susans thrive in full sun but will tolerate light afternoon shade, particularly in warmer climates. They grow best in well-drained soil but are adaptable to a wide range of garden conditions, making them one of the easiest perennials to incorporate into a low-maintenance landscape.

Depending on the variety you choose, rudbeckia works beautifully in the middle or back of a perennial border, while compact selections are perfect near the front of beds or along pathways. Their long bloom season and bright flowers make them an excellent choice for pollinator gardens, cottage gardens, and cut flower gardens alike.

Quick Growing Information

• Genus: Rudbeckia
• Common Name: Black-eyed Susan
• Plant Type: Perennial/Annual
• Hardiness Zone: 3-9
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained, loamy
• Height: 1-3 feet
• Width: 1-2 feet
• Flower Color: Yellow, gold, orange
• Foliage Color: Green
• Bloom Time: Summer to fall

Planting Black-Eyed Susans

Black-eyed Susans can be grown from seed or planted as nursery transplants, and both methods work well. Which approach you choose often depends on your budget, the varieties you want to grow, and how quickly you’d like your garden to fill in.

Growing Rudbeckia From Seed

Growing rudbeckia from seed is an economical way to add lots of plants to your garden. Seeds can be started indoors several weeks before your last frost or winter sown outdoors, both of which work well for this easy-care perennial.

Because black-eyed Susans are so easy to find at local garden centers, I usually purchase nursery plants for common varieties. But if I’m looking for a unique cultivar that isn’t available locally, I’ll either order seeds or purchase plants from a specialty grower online.

For complete step-by-step instructions on starting rudbeckia from seed, check out these guides:

• How to Start Seeds Indoors Without a Greenhouse
• How to Winter Sow Seeds Outdoors

Planting Nursery Transplants

If you’d rather enjoy flowers sooner, planting nursery-grown rudbeckia is the easiest option. Most garden centers carry several dependable varieties in spring and early fall, making them one of the simplest perennials to add to a new garden.

Space plants according to the mature size of the variety you’re growing, generally about 18 inches apart, to allow for good air circulation and healthy growth.

If you’re new to flower gardening and want more guidance on preparing garden beds and planting perennials, my Flower Gardening for Beginners guide walks you through the entire process.

Where to Plant Rudbeckia

Black-eyed Susans perform best in full sun, where they’ll produce the most flowers and maintain a sturdy, upright habit. They tolerate light shade, particularly in warmer climates, but you’ll enjoy the heaviest bloom display with 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day.

Rudbeckia adapts well to a wide range of soils, including clay, loam, and sandy soils, provided the site drains well. Before planting a new flower bed, I always recommend improving the soil with compost and, if you’re unsure of your soil quality, testing it through your local cooperative extension or with an at-home soil test.

When choosing a planting location, think about the mature size of the variety you’re growing. Taller cultivars look best in the middle or back of perennial borders, while compact varieties work beautifully near pathways and at the front of flower beds.

In my own garden, I grow taller varieties in large drifts near my front porch. They occasionally lean after heavy summer rains, so I support them with green garden stakes and twine that blend into the foliage and keep the planting looking natural.

Black-eyed Susans are also an excellent choice for pollinator gardens, low-maintenance cottage gardens, wildflower meadows, and naturalized plantings, where they mix beautifully with other long-blooming perennials.

Simple Rudbeckia Care

One of the reasons I recommend black-eyed Susans so often is because they ask for very little once they’re established. They’re drought tolerant, heat tolerant, and one of the easiest perennials to grow in a low-maintenance garden. Here’s the simple routine I follow to keep mine healthy and blooming year after year.

• Watering: Water regularly during the first growing season while plants establish their roots. After that, black-eyed Susans rarely need supplemental watering except during extended dry spells. I always water at the base of the plant, not over the foliage, to help reduce disease problems. Learn more about how I water my flower gardens.
• Fertilizing: I don’t fertilize my perennial flowers unless they’re growing in containers. Instead, I focus on building healthy soil each year with compost, aged manure, leaf mold, and other organic matter. If you’re growing rudbeckia in pots, a balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring is usually all they’ll need.
• Mulching: A layer of organic mulch helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, regulate soil temperature, and gradually improves the soil as it breaks down. Just be sure to keep mulch pulled back from the crown of the plant. Read more about how I use mulch to reduce weeding, watering, and garden maintenance.
• Deadheading: Deadheading spent blooms can encourage additional flowers and keep plants looking tidy throughout the season. Personally, I usually leave the last flush of blooms in place so birds can enjoy the seed heads well into fall and winter. Learn more about when and how to deadhead flowers.
• Dividing: Divide mature clumps every three to four years in spring or fall to reduce overcrowding, maintain vigorous growth, and create more plants for your garden. My guide explains when and how to divide perennials for the best results.

Common Rudbeckia Problems

One of the reasons I enjoy growing black-eyed Susans is that they’re generally trouble-free once established. While they’re naturally resistant to most pests and diseases, there are a few issues worth watching for.

• Powdery Mildew: In humid weather or overcrowded plantings, rudbeckia can develop powdery mildew. To help prevent it, provide good air circulation, space plants properly, and always water at the base of the plant instead of over the foliage.
• Slugs and Snails: Young plants can occasionally attract slugs and snails. If they become a problem in your garden, I recommend using an organic slug bait to help protect new growth.

Are Black-Eyed Susans Deer Resistant?

Black-eyed Susans are often described as deer resistant, but I like to remind gardeners that deer resistant doesn’t mean deer proof.

Whether deer browse rudbeckia depends on where you live, the local deer population, weather conditions, and what other food sources are available. I’ve talked with gardeners across the country who have completely different experiences. Some say deer never touch their black-eyed Susans, while others watch them disappear overnight.

Here in my Zone 6b New Jersey garden, I occasionally see browsing in early spring as the new growth emerges. To stay ahead of the damage, I begin applying deer repellent early in the season before deer develop a taste for the fresh foliage.

Rutgers Cooperative Extension rates black-eyed Susans as “seldom severely damaged,” which matches my experience. Deer may sample them from time to time, but they’re generally not among the first plants to be eaten.

If deer are a regular challenge where you garden, I recommend combining rudbeckia with other deer-resistant perennials and using a reliable deer repellent throughout the growing season.

Growing Rudbeckia in Pots

If you don’t have space for a traditional flower bed, black-eyed Susans grow well in containers and can brighten patios, porches, and other sunny outdoor spaces. Growing them in pots also makes it easy to add seasonal color wherever you need it.

Choose a container that’s at least 12 to 14 inches wide and deep with plenty of drainage holes. Fill it with a high-quality, well-draining potting mix, and place it in a location that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day.

Because containers dry out more quickly than garden beds, potted rudbeckia will need more frequent watering during hot summer weather. Since nutrients also wash out of containers over time, I recommend applying a balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring and refreshing the potting mix every few years.

If you’d like more tips on choosing containers, potting soil, watering, and designing beautiful container plantings, check out my complete Container Gardening Guide.

Winter Care for Potted Rudbeckia

Winter protection is the biggest difference between growing rudbeckia in the ground and in containers.

If you plan to leave your pots outdoors through winter, choose varieties that are hardy to at least two USDA zones colder than your own. For example, if you garden in Zone 6, select a variety that’s hardy to Zone 4.

To improve winter survival, move containers to a sheltered location such as an unheated garage, shed, or protected porch. You can also insulate the pot with burlap, bubble wrap, or leaves to help protect the roots from repeated freezing and thawing.

Best Companion Plants for Rudbeckia

One of the reasons I love growing black-eyed Susans is how easily they blend with other perennials and annuals. Their cheerful yellow blooms pair beautifully with a wide range of flowers, adding bright color from midsummer into fall while attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

Here are some of my favorite plants to grow alongside rudbeckia.

Coneflowers

Coneflowers and black-eyed Susans are one of my favorite late-summer combinations. They bloom around the same time, thrive in similar growing conditions, and create a classic cottage garden or prairie-style look that attracts pollinators all season long. To learn how I grow coneflowers, please visit my complete guide to growing purple coneflower.

Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’

I love pairing rudbeckia with Autumn Joy sedum because as the black-eyed Susans begin slowing down, the sedum is just reaching its peak. Together they extend color and interest well into fall. To learn more about how I grow sedum autumn joy, please visit my complete guide to growing sedum autumn joy here.

Gomphrena

Gomphrena brings a completely different flower shape and texture while thriving in the same sunny, heat-loving conditions. The vibrant blooms also look beautiful together in fresh-cut bouquets. To learn how I start gomphrena from seed for my cutting garden, please visit my complete guide to growing gomphrena here.

Roses

Black-eyed Susans add a relaxed cottage garden feel around shrub and landscape roses, helping bridge the gap between early summer rose flushes and the rest of the growing season. To learn more about how I grow roses in my cottage gardens, please visit my complete guide to growing roses here.

Blazing Star (Liatris)

The upright flower spikes of blazing star provide wonderful contrast against rudbeckia’s daisy-like blooms while attracting butterflies and native pollinators.

Coreopsis

Coreopsis shares the same easy-going nature as rudbeckia and blooms over a long season. Together they create a bright, cheerful planting that’s perfect for low-maintenance gardens. To learn more about how I grow coreopsis in my low-maintenance gardens, please visit my complete guide to growing coreopsis here.

Zinnias

If you enjoy cutting flowers for bouquets like I do, zinnias and rudbeckia make an excellent combination. They bloom together for much of the summer and provide plenty of stems for fresh arrangements. To learn more about how I grow zinnias in my gardens, please visit my complete guide to growing zinnias here.

Japanese Anemones

Japanese anemones begin flowering just as many summer perennials are winding down. I love combining them with rudbeckia because they carry the garden beautifully into fall.

Bee Balm (Monarda)

Bee balm blooms earlier than rudbeckia, helping extend the season of color while attracting hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. Together they create a lively pollinator-friendly planting.

Russian Sage

The soft lavender-blue flowers of Russian sage provide beautiful color contrast against the bold yellow blooms of black-eyed Susans. Both plants thrive in sunny, well-drained locations and require very little maintenance once established.

As much as I love these combinations, they’re only the beginning. One of the reasons rudbeckia has remained a favorite in my gardens is because it’s so easy to mix with other perennials, annuals, ornamental grasses, and flowering shrubs to create colorful, long-lasting displays.

Black-Eyed Susan Varieties to Consider

I’ve grown several varieties over the years, but these are some of the most popular black-eyed Susans you’ll find at garden centers and specialty nurseries.

Goldsturm

One of the most widely grown rudbeckias, ‘Goldsturm’ produces classic golden-yellow flowers with dark centers from midsummer into fall. Growing about 2 feet tall, it’s a dependable choice for perennial borders, pollinator gardens, and cottage gardens.

Denver Daisy

If you’re looking for something a little different, ‘Denver Daisy’ features bright yellow petals with a distinctive reddish ring surrounding the dark center. Its compact habit, reaching 1 to 2 feet tall, makes it a great choice for smaller gardens and containers.

Cherokee Sunset

For a completely different look, ‘Cherokee Sunset’ produces double and semi-double blooms in shades of yellow, orange, bronze, and red. Growing up to 3 feet tall, it adds warm, sunset-inspired color to late summer gardens.

Prairie Sun

‘Prairie Sun’ stands out with soft yellow petals that fade to creamy tips surrounding a green center. Reaching about 3 feet tall, it brings a lighter, more relaxed look to perennial borders.

Little Goldstar

For gardeners with limited space, ‘Little Goldstar’ is a compact variety that grows only 12 to 18 inches tall while producing abundant golden blooms over a long season. It’s an excellent option for containers, smaller borders, and front-of-the-bed plantings.

When choosing a variety, think about the mature height, flower color, and where it will fit within your garden design. Mixing taller and shorter rudbeckias can create layers of color and extend interest throughout the growing season.

Growing Rudbeckia FAQ

Does Rudbeckia Bloom Every Year?

Yes. Most garden varieties of rudbeckia are reliable perennials that return year after year with cheerful blooms from midsummer into fall. Once established, they’re one of the easiest long-blooming perennials to grow.

How long they bloom depends on the variety, growing conditions, and overall plant health. Providing plenty of sunshine, well-drained soil, and dividing mature clumps every few years will help keep plants vigorous and flowering reliably.

In fact, I planted rudbeckia in my former garden the first year we moved there, and those same plants are still blooming more than 20 years later. They’re one of the reasons I recommend black-eyed Susans so often to gardeners looking for dependable, long-lived perennials.

Do You Cut Back Black-Eyed Susans in Fall?

Whether you cut back black-eyed Susans in fall depends on both your gardening style and your growing conditions.

I usually leave mine standing through fall and much of winter because the dried seed heads provide food for birds, offer shelter for beneficial insects, and add beautiful texture to the winter garden.

If you prefer a tidier landscape or if your plants experienced pest or disease problems during the growing season, you can cut them back once the foliage has yellowed and died naturally. Waiting until the plant has completely finished growing allows it to store energy for the following season.

If you remove diseased foliage, dispose of it rather than adding it to your compost pile to help prevent problems from returning the following year.

How Far Apart Should You Plant Black-Eyed Susans?

Spacing depends on the variety you’re growing, but most black-eyed Susans perform best when planted about 18 inches apart. Proper spacing improves air circulation, reduces the risk of fungal diseases like powdery mildew, and gives plants plenty of room to mature.

Always check the mature size listed on the plant tag or seed packet, as compact varieties can be planted a little closer while taller cultivars may need additional space.

Plan a Beautiful, Low-Maintenance Flower Garden

If you love dependable perennials like black-eyed Susans and want to create a garden that’s beautiful without requiring constant upkeep, my books can help you get there.

In The Bricks ‘n Blooms Guide to a Beautiful and Easy-Care Flower Garden, I share the same practical approach I use in my own Zone 6b garden. You’ll learn how to choose plants that work together, design borders that provide season-long color, and create a landscape that’s both beautiful and manageable.

When you’re ready to put those ideas into action, The Bricks ‘n Blooms Beautiful and Easy-Care Flower Garden Planner walks you through planning your beds, organizing your plant lists, tracking bloom times, and designing a garden you’ll enjoy for years to come.

Whether you’re planting your very first black-eyed Susan or expanding an established perennial border, these resources will help you garden with more confidence and less guesswork.

Final Thoughts About Growing Black-Eyed Susans

After nearly 30 years of gardening, black-eyed Susans continue to be one of the easiest perennials I recommend to gardeners of every skill level. I grow several varieties throughout my gardens because they bring months of cheerful color, attract pollinators, require very little maintenance, and mix beautifully with so many other summer and fall bloomers.

I also love how versatile they are. Whether I’m adding them to a low-maintenance cottage garden, pairing them with other late summer and fall blooming perennials, or cutting stems for fresh bouquets, rudbeckia always earns its place. Some years I start new varieties from seed, while other times I pick up transplants from my local nursery. Either way, they’ve proven to be one of the most reliable, long-lived perennials I’ve ever grown.

If you’re looking to build a garden that’s beautiful without demanding constant attention, black-eyed Susans are an excellent place to start. Pair them with other easy-care perennials and you’ll enjoy season after season of colorful blooms, pollinator activity, and fresh flowers to bring indoors.

Do you grow black-eyed Susans in your garden? I’d love to hear about your favorite varieties or the plants you love pairing them with.

To learn more about growing rudbeckia, please read this article from Penn State.

Thank you so much for following along.

Enjoy a beautiful day! xo