Species black-eyed Susan

black-eyed Susan

Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii 'Goldsturm'

Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii 'Goldsturm') is a popular North American wildflower. It is a clumping perennial that produces mass displays of bright yellow, daisy-like flowers with prominent black cones from July to September. The petals and stamens are gold to orange in colour, while the centres of the blossom are a rich black-brown. The plants grow to be about 30-90 cm (1-3ft) tall and appear in dry, sunny meadows and fields. Deer resistant and easy to care for, this plant is a beautiful addition to any garden.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Division,Root Cutting,Seed Propagation,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

3 - 9

Flowers:

Yellow rays with black center disk Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

gold,green

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Black-eyed Susans prefer consistently moist soil, especially when they are getting established. Water deeply once or twice a week during the growing season. Aim to apply 1/2" to 1" of water every time, depending on the size of the plant. Reduce watering slightly in cold weather. When in doubt, wait until the top inch of soil is dry to the touch before watering again.

sunlight

Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii 'Goldsturm') should be planted in a bright spot for optimal growth, and will do best when receiving at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. While it can tolerate some partial shade, too much will reduce the bright golden and red hues of its blooms. When grown in containers, lower light levels can be detrimental to the plants. So, the more sun this species receives, the healthier and more vibrant it will be.

pruning

Black-eyed Susan should be pruned in late winter to early spring. Prune the plants back periodically to encourage fuller, bushier growth. Remove dead flower stems and cut other stems back to just above a set of strong leaves. Cut the stems of the dead flowers with scissors from the base, down to the crown. It is best to wait until the first bloom is spent before pruning. If desired, plants can be cut back to just a few inches above the soil level; this trimming can happen a couple of times per growing season to encourage a fuller, more bushy form.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Black-eyed Susan typically starts flowering in late summer, usually in July or August.

Hardiness Map

FAQ

Is Black-Eyed Susan a native plant?

Yes, Black-Eyed Susan is a native plant. It is native to the United States and Canada and is an annual wildflower found in grassy meadows, fields, and along roadsides. It is also known as the yellow ox-eye daisy and is most commonly found in the east side of the U.S.. It has a bright golden-yellow flower head and is one of the most common wildflowers in North America, blooming in the summer months of June to September. Black-Eyed Susan also attracts pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Should Black-Eyed Susan flowers be deadheaded?

Yes, Black-Eyed Susan flowers should be deadheaded in order to keep them looking their best and promote a long blooming period. Deadheading is the process of removing faded flowers and spent seed heads from the plant. Doing this encourages the plant to produce more flowers and prevents it from focusing energy on producing seeds. Deadheading also helps to keep the plant looking bushy and prevents it from becoming leggy.

Are Black-Eyed Susan flowers suitable for cut arrangements?

Yes, Black-Eyed Susan flowers are a suitable choice for cut arrangements. They are a popular choice for providing bright, cheerful colour in gardens, and can be used indoors in floral arrangements. They are an easy to manage, low maintenance option given that they grow quickly without much fuss. The stunning daisy like flowers have a firm yet delicate texture, making them perfect for a wide range of uses. These beautiful and cheerful blooms can be used to brighten up any bouquet or centerpiece.

Do Black-Eyed Susan flowers require a trellis or support?

Black-eyed Susan flowers do not require a trellis or support as they have long, strong stems that can stand up on their own when mature. Furthermore, the strong stems and light flowers of the Black-eyed Susan make them one of the most wind-tolerant varieties of flower. However, if you do choose to support them with a trellis, they will likely need to be tied to the structure as their stems are quite flexible. Additionally, most trellises can help to encourage the tall, upright growth of these flowers.

Is Black-Eyed Susan a good choice for a butterfly garden?

Yes, Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) is an excellent choice for a butterfly garden. Highly attractive to butterflies and other pollinators, the Black-Eyed Susan provides a food source and a landing pad for them. This perennial's bright yellow-orange flowerheads appear from midsummer into early fall, making for a highly attractive addition to a butterfly garden. The Black-Eyed Susan is low maintenance and requires minimal looking after, meaning it can be enjoyed without any worries of upkeep.

Are Black-Eyed Susan flowers invasive?

No, Black-Eyed Susan flowers are not considered an invasive species. They are native to North America and prefer to grow in full sun and soils with good drainage. They spread naturally by the seeds they drop, but they typically remain in the same area. Furthermore, they are easily managed and usually do not outcompete other native plants in their environment.

Should Black-Eyed Susan flowers be divided regularly?

Yes, Black-Eyed Susan flowers should be divided regularly. This will help to keep the flowers healthy and ensure they reach their full growth potential. By dividing the flowers every three to four years, it will encourage healthier root systems and help protect against overcrowding in the garden or flower bed. It will also keep the flowers looking their best and provide more blooms each year. Additionally, dividing the flowers will help to propagate more plants and create an even healthier garden.

Could Black-Eyed Susan flowers be grown from seeds?

Yes, Black-Eyed Susan flowers can be grown from seeds. Begin by choosing a spot with full sun and loamy soil, and prepare the soil with compost or fertilizer; if the soil structure is not ideal, you can amend it with some organic material. Sow the seeds either in the ground or in a container and cover them lightly with soil or potting mix. Keep them well watered and check for seedlings in one to two weeks. Grow the seedlings to the desired size and allow them to flower, usually in midsummer. This is a great way to create your own Black-Eyed Susan garden.