How to Grow Black-Eyed Susan
Black-Eyed Susan has captured our imagination forever. These adaptable plants can grow in a range of well-draining soil types, from loam to clay to sand. In this article, we discuss how to grow Black-Eyed Susan.
(Image Credit: Hazel S, Pexels)
Choosing the Ideal Location for Black-Eyed Susan
To ensure optimal blooms, plant black-eyed Susan in full sun. These adaptable plants can grow in a range of well-draining soil types, from loam to clay to sand. They make excellent additions to butterfly gardens, beds, borders, mass plantings, and containers.
Planting and Growing Black-Eyed Susan
Wait until after the last frost to plant black-eyed Susan or sow seeds six weeks prior. Clear the planting area of weeds, and space the plants 18 inches apart. When transplanting, dig a hole the same size as the container, loosen the root ball, and backfill with soil. Water well after planting.
Caring for Your Black-Eyed Susan Plants
Black-eyed Susan plants thrive in sunlight for six to eight hours daily. They are drought-tolerant once established but require regular watering initially. Avoid waterlogged soil, and incorporate organic matter into sandy soil to improve water retention. While they can grow in most soils without fertilizer, proper deadheading and pruning are essential for healthy regrowth.
Container Planting for Black-Eyed Susan
Although these plants prefer garden environments, they can be grown in deep, wide containers that simulate a natural setting.
Dealing with Pests and Diseases
Fungal leaf spots are common but can be managed by cleaning debris in spring and fall, and ensuring good air circulation. Treat common garden pests with water, insecticidal soap, or neem oil.
Propagation Techniques
Black-eyed Susan can be propagated through seed collection, clump division, or stem cuttings.
Types of Black Susan
‘Autumn Colors’
This award-winning annual Black-Eyed Susan variety, Rudbeckia ‘Autumn Colors,’ boasts impressive 5-inch-wide gold flowers tinged with bronze, red, and rust hues. Reaching heights of 2 feet, this stunning cultivar is perfect for adding a touch of autumnal warmth to your garden, flourishing in well-draining soil and full sun.
‘Indian Summer’
Featuring bright golden flowers and hairy foliage, Rudbeckia hirta ‘Indian Summer’ is a robust cultivar that grows up to 3 feet tall. Blooming from summer through frost, it is hardy in Zones 3-7 but is often grown as an annual, providing a long-lasting display of vivid color in your garden.
Brown-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia triloba)
A North American native biennial or short-lived perennial, Brown-Eyed Susan showcases small, charming yellow flowers in clusters throughout the summer and autumn months. Growing up to 5 feet tall and 3 feet wide, this variety thrives in Zones 4-7 and provides a delicate, naturalistic appearance to any garden.
‘Goldsturm’
Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii ‘Goldsturm’ is one of the most popular perennial Black-Eyed Susan varieties. Boasting 3- to 4-inch bright yellow daisies with striking dark brown cones, this plant offers an extended blooming period from midsummer to fall. Reaching 2 feet in height, ‘Goldsturm’ is hardy in Zones 4-9 and is a garden favorite.
‘Maya’
A compact annual Black-Eyed Susan, Rudbeckia ‘Maya’ showcases double flowers adorned with golden-yellow petals. Growing up to 18 inches tall, this dwarf variety is perfect for adding a touch of brightness and cheer to borders, containers, and small garden spaces.
‘Toto Lemon’
A cheerful dwarf annual, Rudbeckia ‘Toto Lemon’ features bright yellow blooms that last all summer. Growing up to 15 inches tall, this variety is perfect for small gardens, containers, and borders where a touch of sunny color is desired.
‘Toto Rustic’ Rudbeckia
‘Toto Rustic’ is an annual cultivar that produces striking golden blooms with rich burgundy-red centers. Reaching heights of 15 inches, this variety adds depth and warmth to your garden, pairing well with a range of companion plants and creating a visually captivating display.
‘Prairie Sun’
Rudbeckia hirta ‘Prairie Sun’ features stunning yellow-orange flowers that bloom from summer to frost. Hardy in Zones 3-8, this variety is often grown as an annual, providing a burst of sunshine in any garden. The radiant blooms of ‘Prairie Sun’ create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
‘Radiance’ Rudbeckia
‘Radiance’ is a unique annual variety that displays distinctive double flowers with quilled petals. Growing up to 18 inches tall, this cultivar adds an intriguing texture and visual interest to your garden, making it an excellent choice for mixed borders and container plantings.
‘Sonora’
This annual Black-Eyed Susan variety, Rudbeckia ‘Sonora,’ presents large mahogany petals tipped in yellow. Growing up to 20 inches tall, ‘Sonora’ adds a touch of drama and sophistication to your garden with its bold color contrast and eye-catching blooms.
Selecting the Right Companions
Black-Eyed Susans are not only attractive but also versatile, making them an excellent addition to your garden. To create a visually appealing and harmonious environment, consider pairing them with the following companion plants:
- Echinacea (Coneflower) – Similar in appearance and bloom time, coneflowers complement Black-Eyed Susan well, adding diversity to your garden with their range of colors.
- Ornamental Grasses – Planting Black-Eyed Susan with ornamental grasses, such as Panicum or Pennisetum, creates an eye-catching contrast of textures and shapes.
- Sedum (Stonecrop) – Both low-growing and tall varieties of sedum work well with Black-Eyed Susan, providing intriguing textures and colors in late summer and autumn.
- Coreopsis – These cheerful yellow flowers bloom around the same time as Black-Eyed Susan, adding a burst of color to your garden.
- Liatris (Blazing Star) – The tall, spiky blooms of liatris complement the daisy-like Black-Eyed Susan flowers, creating visual interest and attracting pollinators.
- Salvia – With a range of colors and sizes, salvia plants can add an interesting contrast to the Black-Eyed Susan and provide support for their tall stems.
- Nepeta (Catmint) – The blue-purple flowers and gray-green foliage of catmint create a striking contrast with the bold colors of Black-Eyed Susan.
Creating a Pollinator-Friendly Garden
Black-Eyed Susan is an excellent source of nectar and pollen for pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. By incorporating companion plants that also attract these beneficial creatures, you’ll create a diverse and thriving ecosystem in your garden.
Design Tips for Your Black-Eyed Susan Garden
- Combine Black-Eyed Susan with a variety of plants to create layers of texture, color, and height in your garden design.
- Group together several Black-Eyed Susan plants for a striking mass planting effect.
- Use Black-Eyed Susan as a border plant or backdrop for lower-growing perennials or annuals.
- Mix and match different Black-Eyed Susan varieties to create a diverse and dynamic garden display.
- Incorporate Black-Eyed Susan into your cutting garden to create beautiful, long-lasting bouquets.
By thoughtfully combining Black-Eyed Susan with complementary plants, you’ll create a visually stunning, pollinator-friendly garden that flourishes throughout the summer and well into autumn.
FAQs – How to Grow Black-Eyed Susan
What is the ideal growing condition for Black-Eyed Susan plants?
Black-Eyed Susans thrive in full sun, requiring at least six to eight hours of sunlight daily for optimal growth and vibrant flower colors. They adapt well to various soil types, including loam, clay, and sandy soils, as long as they are well-draining and not consistently soggy. Additionally, they are drought-tolerant once established, making them a low-maintenance option for your garden.
Can I grow Black-Eyed Susan in containers?
Although Black-Eyed Susan plants prefer garden settings where their roots can grow deep, it is possible to grow them in containers. To ensure their success, choose a wide and deep container to simulate a garden environment. Ensure proper drainage, provide sufficient sunlight, and use high-quality potting soil to support the plant’s growth.
How do I properly care for my Black-Eyed Susan plants?
To care for Black-Eyed Susans, ensure they receive ample sunlight, and water them regularly when first planted. Once established, these drought-tolerant plants require less frequent watering. Although they typically don’t need fertilizer, adding organic matter to sandy soil can help retain water. Deadheading spent blooms encourages healthy regrowth and prevents the plant from becoming invasive.
Are Black-Eyed Susans deer resistant?
Yes, Black-Eyed Susan plants are generally deer resistant. Their coarse, hairy foliage deters deer and rabbits from nibbling on the leaves, although they may occasionally snack on the flowers. Including Black-Eyed Susans in your garden can add an extra layer of protection to your other plants as well, making them a valuable addition to any deer-prone area.
What are the most common pests and problems for Black-Eyed Susan plants?
The most common problem for Black-Eyed Susans is leaf spot, usually caused by fungal infections. Prevent this issue by removing dead debris before new foliage emerges in spring and after the first frost in fall. Ensuring good air circulation and full sun exposure also helps reduce fungal growth. Aphids and other common garden pests can be removed with water or treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Do Black-Eyed Susan plants require pruning?
Pruning Black-Eyed Susan plants is essential for healthy regrowth. Deadhead spent blooms by cutting back to just past the first leaf on the stem. At the end of the growing season, cut the plants back to about 2 inches above the ground, and add mulch during cold months to protect the plants from freezing before spring arrives.
How do I propagate Black-Eyed Susan plants?
Black-Eyed Susan plants can be propagated through seeds, divisions, or stem cuttings. Seeds can be collected from dried seed heads or purchased, while divisions are taken by separating an established clump into smaller pieces. Stem cuttings involve taking a 6 to 8-inch stem from the growing tip of the plant and placing it in water to encourage root growth before transplanting to a peat pot with potting soil.
Which Black-Eyed Susan variety is best suited for my garden?
Selecting the best Black-Eyed Susan variety for your garden depends on your desired aesthetics and available space. Some popular varieties include ‘Autumn Colors,’ ‘Goldsturm,’ ‘Indian Summer,’ and ‘Maya.’ Each offers unique features, such as varying flower colors and plant sizes, so it’s essential to research and choose a variety that complements your garden design and meets your specific needs.
Also See:
14 Best Plants for Erosion Control in Your Garden
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