Black-eyed Susan typically starts flowering in late summer and continues through fall, so August, September, October, and November are the months when Rudbeckia hirta 'Autumn Colors' typically starts flowering.
black-eyed Susan
Rudbeckia hirta 'Autumn Colors'
Black-eyed Susan, or Rudbeckia hirta 'Autumn Colors', is a popular and showy species in the daisy family. The flowers are bright yellow or gold with a distinctive dark brown or black center. Petals range from 2-3 inches long with relatively short stems. It is a hardy, drought-tolerant plant, able to thrive in most soil conditions. They bloom during the summer and fall months, providing excellent flowering color for many months. It is an excellent choice for containers, flower beds, and meadows. They also attract hummingbirds and other pollinators.
Cycle:
Herbaceous Perennial
Watering:
Average
Propagation:
Seed Propagation,Division,Root Cutting,Stem Propagation
Hardiness Zone:
Flowers:
Bicolor shades of yellow, orange, red and brown with a brown cone Flowers
Sun:
Full sun
Leaf:
Yes
Leaf Color:
green,yellow,orange
Growth Rate:
Moderate
Maintenance:
Low
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Care Level:
Medium
watering
Water black-eyed Susans deep and infrequently; water the soil around the plants deeply after planting and then only water when necessary. During prolonged dry spells they should be watered thoroughly once a week. If the soil is kept consistently moist, the plants are more likely to suffer from disease. When watering, water directly at the base of the plant early in the morning or late in the evening when temperatures are cooler.
sunlight
Black-eyed Susan, Rudbeckia hirta 'Autumn Colors', is a sun-loving plant that grows best in full sunlight. Six to 8 hours of direct sunlight a day, during the summer months is ideal for this plant species. While this species needs more intense sunlight in the summer, it does benefit from some filtered light in the fall, when days are shorter. During these cooler months, 2 to 4 hours of direct sunlight a day and 4 to 6 hours of indirect sunlight is adequate. If the Black-eyed Susan is placed in too much shade, it may not bloom or may fail to thrive.
pruning
Pruning black-eyed Susans is generally not necessary, but if desired, can be done in late winter or early spring each year. Pruning should only be done to remove dead, diseased, or damaged stems. If you foresee the plant becoming overcrowded over time, you can use scalp pruning. This is where you cut about ½ to ¾ of the entire height, encouraging bushier growth and keeping the flowering stalks shorter.
Season
Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering
Starts Flowering
Black-eyed Susan typically starts flowering in late summer and continues through fall, so August, September, October, and November are the months when Rudbeckia hirta 'Autumn Colors' typically starts flowering.
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.
