Common Black Eyed Susan

Light Needs

Partial Sun to Full Sun

(At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

2-3 Feet

Mature Spread

1-2 Feet

Growing Zones

4 to 9

A native that is anything but common, Common Black Eyed Susan is the plant you should add to the sunny garden. The buttery yellow petals surround a chocolatey eye. This herbaceous perennial is an attractor of pollinators and butterflies. It gives shelter to small animals and provides seed for songbirds through the winter. All of these things, plus it is extremely low care. Black Eyed Susan is the Maryland State Flower as well as native to most areas East of the Rocky Mountains.

Black Eyed Susans look best when planted in large groups. They are a great addition to a Cottage Garden or the outside transition zones of a Rain Garden. Rudbeckia make a long-lived cut flower and also dry beautifully for year round arranging. 

Common Black Eyed Susan Care

Common Black Eyed Susans have a wide variety of soil texture and pH that will successfully grow. A well drained soil is a must. Once fully established, Black Eyed Susans will handle periods of drought easily and not droop a bit. Deer and disease resistance add to its ease of care.

Fertilization is not needed for native plants. If the blooming and leaf growth decline, dividing the plants is the way to get them growing vigorously again. Dividing is best done early in the spring as the new growth begins. It will be easy to see where to split the plants and tease apart the roots. Keep transplanted divisions well watered the first year to ensure proper establishment.

Common Black Eyed Susan Spacing

The height is 24-36 inches with a width of 12-24 inches. Spacing of 12 inches, center on center, will give the plants plenty of air circulation. Common Black Eyed Susan looks best planted in groups of 3 or 5 and will quickly fill in any area.