Common Black-Eyed Susan

• Full Sun (At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)
• Mature Height 2 - 3 Feet
• Mature Spread 12 - 24 Inches
• Growing Zones 4 - 9

There is nothing ordinary about the Common Black-Eyed Susan or Rudbeckia hirta. Large daisy-like blooms have sunny yellow petals with hints of orange and measure 3 inches across. The buttery yellow petals surround a chocolatey eye, providing a nice contrast. Enjoy the dependable flowers from June through September.

Black Eyed Susan is the Maryland State Flower and native to most areas east of the Rocky Mountains. It is easy to grow and doesn’t need much attention. Black-Eyed Susans look best when planted in large groups. Plant the Common Black-Eyed Susan in a border or near the middle or back of a mixed bed; it also grows well in the outside transition zones of a rain garden. The daisy-like flowers create a cottage or meadow feeling. The long stems make a long-lived cut flower and also dry beautifully for year round arranging. The lovely blooms are a beacon for butterflies, bees, and beneficial insects, while birds feed on the seeds throughout the fall and winter. Deer and disease resistance add to its ease of care. Grow this beauty in zones 4 through 9.

Common Black-Eyed Susan Care

Plant the Common Black-Eyed Susan in fertile, moist, well-drained soil with an acidic pH. Situate this perennial in full sun for best results. Water upon planting and during the first few seasons to support continued blooms. This perennial is drought tolerant once established and will handle periods of drought without drooping. Fertilization is not needed for this native plant. 

Trim dead or damaged growth. Deadhead the plant to maintain a tidy appearance. You can trim the stems to ground level in the fall or leave the frost-damaged blooms for birds and other small animals to eat during the fall and winter. Clear damaged growth by spring when new stems emerge.

If the blooming and leaf growth decline, divide the plants to invigorate the clumps. 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 Common Black-Eyed Susan stands 2 to 3 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide. Space plants about 18 inches apart when creating a dense or continuous planting. Common Black Eyed Susan looks best planted in groups of 3 or 5 and will quickly fill in any open spaces.

SKU:

1231020452-pc