Species black-eyed Susan

black-eyed Susan

Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii

Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii) is an herbaceous perennial native to the North American prairies. It is easily recognizable by its bright yellow, daisy-like flowers with black cone-shaped centers. It typically grows to a height between 1 to 2 feet tall and produces numerous blooms from summer into fall. This species is easily grown and requires little maintenance, making it a popular choice for gardens and meadows. It is also a great addition to wildflower mixes or pollinator gardens, providing nectar for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Division,Cutting,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

3 - 9

Flowers:

Yellow-orange rays with purple-brown center Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Moderate

watering

Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii) requires 1-2 inches of water per week during the active growing season. Water the plant deeply and evenly to keep the soil moist, but not soggy. Avoid over-watering to prevent root rot. During the dormant season, water only when the soil is dry to the touch, usually every 10-14 days.

sunlight

Black-eyed Susans need full sun for 6-8 hours per day. This plant species thrives in well-drained soils with moderate water, but can tolerate periods of drought. It prefers full sun, although it will tolerate some light shade. Too much shade will result in a leggy plant with fewer flowers. Poor soil conditions will result in a thinner, less vigorous plant.

pruning

Black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii) should be pruned in late winter or early spring, after the last frost. Pruning should be focused on removing old, unhealthy stems, and cutting back the stems of the previous year's growth by 1 third. Pruning will help encourage healthy new growth and increase the plant's size. Pruning is not necessary for this plant, but it can help to maintain a neat and attractive garden.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Black-eyed Susan typically starts flowering in late summer, usually in July or August.

Hardiness Map

FAQ

Is Black-Eyed Susan a native plant?

Yes, Black-Eyed Susan is a native plant. It is native to the United States and Canada and is an annual wildflower found in grassy meadows, fields, and along roadsides. It is also known as the yellow ox-eye daisy and is most commonly found in the east side of the U.S.. It has a bright golden-yellow flower head and is one of the most common wildflowers in North America, blooming in the summer months of June to September. Black-Eyed Susan also attracts pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Should Black-Eyed Susan flowers be deadheaded?

Yes, Black-Eyed Susan flowers should be deadheaded in order to keep them looking their best and promote a long blooming period. Deadheading is the process of removing faded flowers and spent seed heads from the plant. Doing this encourages the plant to produce more flowers and prevents it from focusing energy on producing seeds. Deadheading also helps to keep the plant looking bushy and prevents it from becoming leggy.

Are Black-Eyed Susan flowers suitable for cut arrangements?

Yes, Black-Eyed Susan flowers are a suitable choice for cut arrangements. They are a popular choice for providing bright, cheerful colour in gardens, and can be used indoors in floral arrangements. They are an easy to manage, low maintenance option given that they grow quickly without much fuss. The stunning daisy like flowers have a firm yet delicate texture, making them perfect for a wide range of uses. These beautiful and cheerful blooms can be used to brighten up any bouquet or centerpiece.

Do Black-Eyed Susan flowers require a trellis or support?

Black-eyed Susan flowers do not require a trellis or support as they have long, strong stems that can stand up on their own when mature. Furthermore, the strong stems and light flowers of the Black-eyed Susan make them one of the most wind-tolerant varieties of flower. However, if you do choose to support them with a trellis, they will likely need to be tied to the structure as their stems are quite flexible. Additionally, most trellises can help to encourage the tall, upright growth of these flowers.

Is Black-Eyed Susan a good choice for a butterfly garden?

Yes, Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) is an excellent choice for a butterfly garden. Highly attractive to butterflies and other pollinators, the Black-Eyed Susan provides a food source and a landing pad for them. This perennial's bright yellow-orange flowerheads appear from midsummer into early fall, making for a highly attractive addition to a butterfly garden. The Black-Eyed Susan is low maintenance and requires minimal looking after, meaning it can be enjoyed without any worries of upkeep.

Are Black-Eyed Susan flowers invasive?

No, Black-Eyed Susan flowers are not considered an invasive species. They are native to North America and prefer to grow in full sun and soils with good drainage. They spread naturally by the seeds they drop, but they typically remain in the same area. Furthermore, they are easily managed and usually do not outcompete other native plants in their environment.

Should Black-Eyed Susan flowers be divided regularly?

Yes, Black-Eyed Susan flowers should be divided regularly. This will help to keep the flowers healthy and ensure they reach their full growth potential. By dividing the flowers every three to four years, it will encourage healthier root systems and help protect against overcrowding in the garden or flower bed. It will also keep the flowers looking their best and provide more blooms each year. Additionally, dividing the flowers will help to propagate more plants and create an even healthier garden.

Could Black-Eyed Susan flowers be grown from seeds?

Yes, Black-Eyed Susan flowers can be grown from seeds. Begin by choosing a spot with full sun and loamy soil, and prepare the soil with compost or fertilizer; if the soil structure is not ideal, you can amend it with some organic material. Sow the seeds either in the ground or in a container and cover them lightly with soil or potting mix. Keep them well watered and check for seedlings in one to two weeks. Grow the seedlings to the desired size and allow them to flower, usually in midsummer. This is a great way to create your own Black-Eyed Susan garden.