Black-eyed Susan
Rudbeckia hirta
An herbaceous plant featuring bright golden-yellow ray florets surrounding a prominent dark brown or black central cone.
- Light
- Full sun, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal flowering.
- Water
- Water deeply when the top inch of soil becomes dry. Drought tolerant once established, but avoid prolonged dry spells to maintain vibrant blooms.
- Growth
- Typically grown as a short-lived perennial, biennial, or annual depending on the climate. Forms an upright clump with a height of 1 to 3 feet and a spread of 1 to 2 feet, featuring a moderate growth rate.
Care instructions
Provide full sun and well-draining soil. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system, then reduce frequency as it demonstrates moderate drought tolerance. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring.
Growing details
Sunlight
Full sun, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal flowering.
Watering
Water deeply when the top inch of soil becomes dry. Drought tolerant once established, but avoid prolonged dry spells to maintain vibrant blooms.
Soil
Prefers rich, well-draining loamy or sandy soils with a neutral pH range between 6.0 and 7.0.
Hardiness zone
USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 9
Growth habit
Typically grown as a short-lived perennial, biennial, or annual depending on the climate. Forms an upright clump with a height of 1 to 3 feet and a spread of 1 to 2 feet, featuring a moderate growth rate.
Bloom season
Blooms from early summer through autumn, producing daisy-like yellow flowers with dark central cones.
Propagation
Propagated easily from seed sown in spring or autumn, or through garden division of established clumps in early spring.
Common pests & issues
Susceptible to powdery mildew in humid or crowded conditions and leaf spot. Prevent by ensuring adequate air circulation between plants and watering at the base rather than overhead.
Similar species
Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), which can be distinguished by its pink to purple ray petals and prominent spiky orange-brown central cone.