Black-Eyed Susans

Uses:

  • Container Thriller
  • Borders
  • Wildlife Gardens

Features:

  • Drought Tolerant
  • Long Blooming or Rebloomer
  • Attracts Pollinators

Sunlight:

  • Partial Sun to Full Sun
  • At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight

Growing Zones:

Black-Eyed Susan Care

Black-Eyed Susans, also known as Rudbeckia, are popular perennials known for their bright yellow, daisy-like flowers with distinctive dark centers. The plants bloom from mid-summer to fall and are fantastic for borders, wildflower gardens, or as part of a mixed perennial bed, where they attract butterflies and other pollinators.

About Black-Eyed Susans

Lemon A-Peel Black-Eyed Susan Vine
Genus
Species
Family
Rudbeckia
Several including Rudbeckia fulgida, Rudbeckia triloba, Rudbeckia subtomentosa, Rudbeckia hirta
Asteraceae

Common Names:

Gloriosa Daisy, Yellow Oxeye


Native To:

North America

Plant Type:

Perennials

Foliage Type:

Deciduous, Herbaceous

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:

3 - 9

Flower Color:

Yellow, Orange, Red, Bicolor, Golden/Brown, White, Purple/Darker hues

Flower Bloom Time:

Summer to fall

Growth Habit:

upright, clumping, bushy

Attracts:

Pollinators, Birds, Insects, Small Mammals

Tolerates:

Drought, Poor Soil, Partial Shade, Heat, Cold, Humidity

Resists:

Deer and Rabbits, Pests, Fungal Diseases, Salt, Heat, Wind

How To Use Black-eyed Susan In The Garden

Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia) produces long-lasting golden blooms that appear from mid-summer through the first frost, lending a bright note to perennial beds. The fuzzy foliage discourages deer, while the seed heads support local bird populations in fall and winter. This easy-care native tolerates a range of soil types and returns each season, sometimes spreading by self-seeding. Its cheerful daisy-like blooms complement a warm color palette and draws bees and butterflies.

Plant groups of black-eyed Susans in sunny borders or naturalized meadows for warm seasonal color. Combine them with ornamental grasses and other mid- to late-season perennials for an appealing tapestry of heights and textures. They also work well in pollinator gardens, where their nectar and seed heads benefit insects and songbirds. In containers or near a patio, these hardy blooms introduce an inviting touch of summer to gathering areas.

Types of Black-Eyed Susans

Type Scientific Name Native Flower Habit / Form Uses Features
Black-Eyed Susan, Gloriosa Daisy Rudbeckia hirta Eastern & Central U.S. Golden-yellow to orange rays, dark brown dome, ≈ 3 in. Fast-growing biennial or short-lived perennial; upright, freely self-seeding Slopes, borders, pollinator & native gardens, naturalizing Tolerates salt, deer, drought & clay; attracts butterflies; showy cut flower
Orange Coneflower Rudbeckia fulgida Southeastern U.S. Yellow-orange rays, brown-purple center, ≈ 2½ in. Rhizomatous, clump-forming; slowly spreading Mass plantings, meadows, rain & cottage gardens, borders Long season, birds eat seeds, deer & drought tolerant, handles dry or clay soils
Brown-Eyed / Three-Leaved Coneflower Rudbeckia triloba Central-Eastern U.S. 6-12 yellow rays, brown-purple disk, ≈ 1½ in. Biennial or short-lived perennial; densely branched, airy Wildflower meadows, naturalized areas, borders, cottage gardens Profuse bloom, readily self-seeds, good cut flower, deer & drought tolerant
Sweet Coneflower Rudbeckia subtomentosa Central U.S. Yellow rays, brown-purple disk, fragrant, ≈ 3 in. Upright, non-rhizomatous clump; may need staking Prairies, rain & pollinator gardens, back borders, naturalized drifts Anise-scented blooms, excellent cuts, deer/drought/clay tolerant, long display

Black-Eyed Susans Care

Plant Black-Eyed Susans in full sun and well-draining soil. They tolerate various soil types, including clay and sandy soils. Water young plants regularly to establish a strong root system; once established, they are drought-tolerant. Fertilization is generally unnecessary; however, applying compost as mulch can enhance soil fertility.

Deadhead spent flowers during the blooming season to encourage continuous flowering and prevent unwanted self-seeding. In late fall, cut back dead plant material to ground level to prepare for winter dormancy. Black-Eyed Susans can be grown in containers with good drainage; use a well-draining potting mix and water when the top two inches of soil are dry.

Learn More About Black-Eyed Susan Care

Sunny Rose Sensation Black eyed Susan Vine

Black-Eyed Susans Companion Plants

Give companions a position with six or more hours of sun, moist yet free-draining soil, and low fertility so black-eyed Susans keep their tidy clumps. Red twig dogwood brings winter bark color and a reliable green backdrop, while Russian sage cools the scene with airy blue wands that bloom alongside the daisylike discs. Agastache extends the nectar buffet into late summer, and a drift of yarrow supplies texture and seed heads that echo Rudbeckia’s own autumn silhouettes.

Black-Eyed Susans Questions?