Black Eyed Susan - Rudbeckia hirta

Phonetic: rud-BEK-ee-ah HER-tah

Black Eyed Susan is a short lived perennial or biennial that thrives in moist, organically rich soils that are well drained. It is heat and drought tolerant but does not tolerate poorly drained soils. Although the plant is short lived, it will freely self seed. It has a prolonged bloom time that attracts not only pollinators but finches and other birds that feed on the seed heads. 

• Hardiness: 3-7
• Native Region: BONAP Map
• BONAP Map Key Color Guide: Map Color Key
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun
• Flower Color: Yellow
• Bloom Time: June, July, August, September
• Soil Type: Moist to Med Dry
• Mature Plant Size: 2-3'H, 1-2'W
• Plant Spacing: 2'
• Host Plant: Silvery Checkerspot Butterfly and Wavy-Lined Emerald 
• Attracts: Bees, Butterflies, Birds
• Advantages: Deer resistant, drought and clay soil tolerant, cut flower, long bloomer
• Landscape Uses: Perennial borders, cottage gardens, meadows, mass plantings
• Companion Plants: Butterfly Weed, Purple Coneflower, Dense Blazing Star, Little Bluestem
• Deer Resistant

Is Black-Eyed Susan Right for Your Landscape?

More than finding beautiful flowers for your garden, choosing the right plant means looking for those that are suitable for your landscape conditions. This cheerful native may be a great fit if:

• You want a long-lasting display of golden blooms that brightens sunny garden beds during the growing season.
• You enjoy watching butterflies and bees visit your landscape throughout the summer.
• You prefer plants that become low-maintenance as they establish.
• You're creating a pollinator garden or natural-looking border using native perennials.
• You appreciate flowers that continue offering value after blooming by providing attractive seed heads.
• You want a versatile plant that blends beautifully with grasses and other native wildflowers across different seasons.

If you're looking for dependable perennials that bring color and can attract birds and butterflies, black-eyed Susan is an excellent place to start. Shop at Bagley Pond Perennials today or reach out for more inquiries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does black-eyed Susan bloom the first year after planting?

It usually blooms during its first growing season when planted early enough and in favorable conditions. However, weather and planting time influence flowering, so some plants only produce a fuller display in their second year.

Can this plant be grown from collected seed?

Yes. Seeds are easy to collect from mature flower heads in autumn. Many gardeners sow them outdoors during late fall or winter, so natural cold exposure helps improve their growth the following spring.

Can this plant handle hot summers?

Once established, it tolerates periods of summer heat quite well. The deep root systems help mature plants remain productive, especially when they receive occasional watering during long dry spells.

Why do goldfinches visit black-eyed Susan in late summer?

After flowering ends, the seed heads become a valuable food source for American goldfinches and other small birds. Leaving the seed heads standing instead of cutting them back immediately can provide an important natural food supply.

Will black-eyed Susan mix well with ornamental grasses?

Absolutely. Its bright flowers contrast beautifully with the texture and movement of native grasses, creating natural-looking plantings that last from summer to fall.