Black-Eyed Susan
The Sunshine of the Summer Garden
There is no flower more cheerful or reliable than the Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia). With its golden-yellow petals and dark chocolate center, this native prairie classic blooms its heart out from mid-summer until frost. It embodies the rugged beauty of the American landscape.
Why You Need It:
- Bloom Time: One of the longest-blooming perennials you can buy.
- Toughness: Thrives in heat, humidity, drought, and poor soil.
- Seed Heads: Leave the flower heads up in winter—goldfinches love to eat the seeds!
Planting Tips:
Plant in Full Sun. They are short-lived perennials but self-seed readily, ensuring you'll always have a patch of gold in your garden.
Type
Native
benefits
Deer Resistant, Pollinator Hub, Flowers
Attracts:
Bees, Butterflies, Birds
Soil Type
Adaptable, Average, Tolerates Clay Soil
Sun Light
Full Sun
Our Landscape Designer's Take
The "Set It and Forget It" Perennial: For clients who want "curb appeal without the work," this is our go-to. Black-Eyed Susans are incredibly drought-tolerant once established. We use them in "Mass Plantings"—grouping 5 to 7 plants together to create a drift of gold that draws the eye from the street.
Extending the Season: While most perennials fade by August, these are just getting started. They bridge the gap between summer and fall. If you leave the dried seed heads up in winter, you’ll see Goldfinches landing on them to eat the seeds, adding winter wildlife interest to your garden.
