Black-eyed Susan
Rudbeckia hirta
An herbaceous plant featuring bright 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.
- Water
- Moderate watering needs. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Drought tolerant once established.
- Growth
- Herbaceous perennial or biennial growing upright with a height of 2 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 establishment, then provide moderate drought tolerance once mature. Deadhead spent flowers to prolong the bloom season.
Growing details
Sunlight
Full sun, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Watering
Moderate watering needs. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Drought tolerant once established.
Soil
Well-draining loamy, sandy, or clay soils with a neutral pH range between 6.0 and 7.0.
Hardiness zone
USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 9
Growth habit
Herbaceous perennial or biennial growing upright with a height of 2 to 3 feet and a spread of 1 to 2 feet, featuring a moderate growth rate.
Bloom season
Blooms from early summer through autumn with bright yellow daisy-like flowers possessing dark central cones.
Propagation
Propagated easily via seeds sown in spring or autumn, or through root division in early spring.
Common pests & issues
Generally resilient, but may occasionally encounter powdery mildew or leaf spot in overly humid conditions, managed by ensuring good air circulation.
Similar species
Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), which can be distinguished by its drooping pinkish-purple ray petals rather than bright yellow petals.