Black-eyed Susan

Sun

Full sun gives the strongest stems and most flowers. Light partial shade is tolerated, but flowering may be reduced.

Water

Water regularly during the first growing season. Established plants tolerate short dry spells, but flower best with reasonably consistent moisture; avoid waterlogged soil.

Soil

Average, well-drained soil that retains some moisture. Tolerates clay if drainage is adequate, and grows in mildly acidic to mildly alkaline conditions.

Height

2-3 ft (0.6-0.9 m)

Spread

1.5-2.5 ft (0.45-0.75 m), widening over time

Flowers

Golden-yellow flowers with dark brown cones from midsummer into autumn; timing varies with climate.

Foliage

Green, rough-textured, oval to lance-shaped leaves, often with toothed edges. Most foliage dies back in winter.

Growth

Moderate; forms a substantial clump within two to three growing seasons.

Care needed

Low

• Water deeply during establishment and during prolonged dry weather.
• Apply a thin layer of compost in spring; avoid heavy feeding, which encourages floppy growth.
• Mulch around plants to conserve moisture, keeping mulch away from the crowns.
• Divide crowded clumps every three to four years in spring.
• Remove unwanted shoots at the edges of the clump to keep it within bounds.

Pruning. Remove faded flowers during summer if you want a tidier display, or leave the cones for birds and winter structure. Cut dead stems back to just above ground level in late winter or early spring, before new growth lengthens.

Late winter

Cut down old stems before fresh shoots develop, unless seedheads are still being used by birds.

Spring

Plant new specimens, divide crowded clumps and remove unwanted spreading shoots.

Spring

Add a thin compost dressing and renew mulch without covering the crowns.

Early summer

Water young plants during dry spells and check lower leaves for spotting.

Midsummer

Remove faded flowers if desired and water during prolonged drought.

Autumn

Leave healthy stems and seedheads standing for birds and winter interest; remove badly diseased foliage.

• Plant repeated groups through a sunny mixed border to link late-summer flowering plants.
• Combine with switchgrass and purple coneflower for a loose, prairie-style planting.
• Place beside asters and ornamental grasses for a border that carries colour into autumn.
• Use in a sunny cottage-garden border with catmint or perennial salvias for yellow-and-blue contrast.

Garden styles it suits: Cottage garden, Native meadow, New perennial (prairie), Pollinator garden, Low-maintenance and Autumn colour.

Plant it with: Purple coneflower, Switchgrass, New England aster, Catmint, Perennial salvia and Blazing star.

Wildlife: Flowers provide nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies and other insects. Finches and other seed-eating birds use the mature seedheads, particularly in its native North American range.

• Septoria leaf spot causes dark spots, often starting on lower leaves. Water at soil level, improve spacing and remove infected fallen foliage.
• Powdery mildew can coat leaves in dry, crowded conditions. Improve airflow and prevent prolonged drought stress.
• Slugs and snails may eat emerging shoots. Check plants after dark, remove pests and use an approved iron-phosphate bait if needed.
• Poor flowering or floppy stems usually indicate too much shade or rich feeding. Move to a sunnier position and reduce fertiliser.

Not known to be toxic to cats, dogs, horses or people, and no part is generally recognised as poisonous. It is not a food plant; eating substantial amounts may cause stomach upset, and the rough foliage can irritate sensitive skin.

• Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)

  Usually an annual, biennial or short-lived perennial, with conspicuously bristly stems and leaves. Rudbeckia fulgida is a longer-lived perennial that forms spreading clumps.

• Brown-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia triloba)

  Has many smaller flowers on a taller, more finely branched plant; its lower leaves are often three-lobed.

Rudbeckia honours the Swedish botanists Olof Rudbeck the Elder and Olof Rudbeck the Younger, while fulgida means shining, referring to the bright flowers.

Propagation. Divide established clumps in spring, keeping roots and growing shoots on each section. Sow seed in autumn or use a period of cold, moist stratification before spring sowing; named cultivars may not come true from seed.

Accepted botanical name

Rudbeckia fulgida

In the US and Canada

Native in the lower 48 states. Introduced in Canada.

Native range

Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Masachusettes and Michigan.

Sources: GBIF (CC BY 4.0), USDA PLANTS and Trefle (CC BY 4.0). The care and design notes are LandscapeGPT's own.