Black-Eyed Susan
Rudbeckia hirta
Compact plants are outstanding in the garden or in large containers. Combine Cherry Brandy's 3-4" flowers with rudbeckia of other colors, or do a dramatic mass planting for red blooms all summer. Also known as blackeyed Susan and gloriosa daisy. Tender perennial in Zones 9-10.
Harvest
100-120d
Days to harvest
Sun
rud-BEK-ee-ah HER-tah
Zones
3–8
USDA hardiness
Height
2-4 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Black-Eyed Susan in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 native-wildflower →Zone Map
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Black-Eyed Susan · Zones 3–8
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
Complete Growing Guide
Light: rud-BEK-ee-ah HER-tah. Soil: Clay, Loam (Silt), Sand. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Alkaline (>8.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist, Occasionally Dry. Water: 'Cherry Brandy'Cherry-red flowers 'Denver Daisy'2nd Place in the 2019 NC State Annual Color Trials. Has a big mahogany-red eye and yellow petals 'Indian Summer'6-9 inch yellow flowers Rudbeckia hirta var. angustifoliaA rare native variety found in sandhills & longleaf pine woodlands. Stems leafy mainly toward the base. Rudbeckia hirta var. pulcherimmaA common variety of fields & roadsides. Stems leafy throughout. 'Sonara'A large mahogany ring on bright golden yellow petals 'Tiger Eye Gold', 'Cherry Brandy', 'Denver Daisy', 'Indian Summer', Rudbeckia hirta var. angustifolia, Rudbeckia hirta var. pulcherimma, 'Sonara', 'Tiger Eye Gold'. Height: 2 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: Less than 12 inches, 12 inches-3 feet. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: Low. Propagation: Seed. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
Small brown seeds late summer. Displays from July to October.
Color: Brown/Copper. Type: Capsule.
Harvest time: Fall, Summer
Bloom time: Spring, Summer
History & Origin
Origin: Eastern United States, NC
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Deer, Drought, Salt
- +Attracts: Butterflies, Pollinators, Small Mammals, Songbirds
- +Wildlife value: Butterflies attracted to nectar at the flowers.This plant provides nectar for pollinators. It is a larval host plant to Wavy-lined Emerald (Synchlora aerata) and to Silvery Checkerspot (Chlosyne nycteis) which has one brood in the north and two broods from May-September in the rest of its range. American goldfinches, eat the seeds in the fall.
- +Fast-growing
- +Low maintenance
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Purple Coneflower
Shares similar growing conditions and attracts beneficial pollinators while extending bloom season
Bee Balm
Attracts pollinators and beneficial insects while providing complementary colors and textures
Native Grasses
Provides structural support and creates natural prairie-like conditions that both plants thrive in
Asters
Extends pollinator season into fall and shares similar soil and moisture requirements
Goldenrod
Creates natural prairie partnerships and attracts diverse beneficial insects and pollinators
Wild Bergamot
Attracts butterflies and native bees while thriving in similar prairie conditions
Blazing Star
Provides vertical accent and attracts butterflies and hummingbirds to the garden
Sedum
Attracts beneficial insects and provides late-season nectar while requiring similar low-maintenance care
Keep Apart
Black Walnut
Produces juglone toxin that inhibits growth and can kill Black-Eyed Susan plants
Dense Shade Trees
Blocks essential sunlight needed for healthy growth and flowering
Mint
Aggressive spreading habit can quickly overtake and crowd out Black-Eyed Susan plants
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Excellent disease resistance, very hardy
Common Pests
Aphids, spider mites, occasionally deer browse
Diseases
Powdery mildew in humid conditions, root rot in waterlogged soils