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Black-Eyed Susans: Care Tips for Vibrant Blooms in Your Garden

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Black-Eyed Susan is a common, sun-loving perennial with sunny yellow petals and dark brown eyes of fluff. A North American wildflower of sun habitats. Black-Eyed Susan, scientifically called Rudbeckia hirta, is a flower in the Asteraceae own circle of relatives that may mild up a lawn or meadow with brilliant color. The golden beauty of these flowers not only appears impressive but they are also the hardiest which can be grown most easily, that is why they have become one of the gardeners’ favorites.

Flowers usually appear between June and October providing a long season of enjoyment. Bees and butterflies are supported by black-eyed Susans. Landscapers use them for their drought resistance and adaptability to different types of soil. These flowers will spread all on their own with barely any care and look wild, but oh so beautiful in virtually any outdoor space.

When To Grow Black-Eyed Susan

Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) are usually planted from seed, and should be sown in late spring or early summer after the last frost. This timing allows the seeds time to germinate and mature before summer’s full heat arrives. To germinate and grow well, wait until the soil has warmed up in late spring-warm-season vegetables need warm soil to develop-and plant when temperatures are hot. Bury nursery-grown plants in the garden after last spring frost or early summer.

Where To Grow Black-Eyed Susan

A perennial native to much of North America, Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) thrives in many garden situations. A full guide to where you can grow Black-Eyed Susan.

Sunlight

When it comes to light, Black-Eyed Susans prefer full sun to partial shade. For best growth and flowering, they like to have at least 6 hours of direct sunlight everyday. In extremely hot areas, however, a bit of afternoon shade might be beneficial.

Soil

They are suitable for almost any soil type, but prefer well-drained. Ideally for sandy or loamy soils with humus. Root rot can occur in waterlogged heavy clay soils.

Gardens

Can be included in beds and borders or wildflower gardens.

Hardiness Zones

Most gardeners can grow Black-Eyed Susans in USDA Zones 3 to 9. Although they can tolerate cold northern winters with mulch, where prized for home orchards they are primarily grown in warmer southern climates.

How to grow Black-Eyed Susan

Decide where you want your black-eyed Susans and choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Plant seeds directly in the garden at a spacing of approximately 12 to18 inches with part shade and full sun. Scarify the seeds lightly and place them in a moist condition until germination has occurred, spam with soil just covering the seed. These tough, drought resistant perennials love full sun but will take part in shade and grow in pretty much average to poor soil. Keep it well watered, particularly in dry periods but do not over-water. Deadheads spend flowers to keep blooming from summer through fall. The truth is, once established black-eyed Susans are pretty low maintenance and they can reseed themselves so that there will be golden yellow & dark brown blooms greeting you year after summer.

How To Care Black-Eyed Susan

Watering

Use a deep, infrequent watering schedule to promote beneficial deeper roots. Until seeds are newly planted or transplants have established, keep them consistently moist. Water weekly to about an inch of water when dry-established. Overhead watering promotes foliage disease.

Sunlight

Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day) is ideal for Black-Eyed Susans, but they will tolerate some shade. Even in the hottest climates afternoon shade can help to provide relief from intense heat.

Fertilizing

Black-Eyed Susans are not heavy feeders, but if desired a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10 can be used in the spring when you begin to see new growth. Do not use high-nitrogen fertilizers because these can encourage leaf growth at the expense of blooms. Follow application rates on packages.

Division

Dig and divide mature Black-Eyed Susan clumps every 3 to 4 years during early spring or late summer, rejuvenating plants and keeping them vigorous. Lift the clump, tease out healthy root-covered and shoot-prolific outer sections from the centre of a mature plant and replant them in prepared soil.

Mulching

A 2 to 3 inch layer of organic mulch (like shredded bark or compost) should be applied around the plants, being careful not to cover it near the plant stem. Mulch reduces water evaporation, weed growth and limits temperature fluxes in the soil.

Winter Care

For colder regions, layer several inches of mulch over the root zone in late fall to provide winter soil insulation and protect roots from cold. Prune out dead foliage in early spring for new growth.

Try these care instructions and your Black-Eyed Susans will ensure they remain healthy, strong, vibrant with blooms through the growing season.

Pruning Black-Eyed Susan

For the most part, Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) does not require much maintenance when it comes to pruning. Deadhead as necessary during the summer and into fall to keep blooming going. All you have to do is pinch the wilting flowers right above where she blooms from, and it will encourage the plant to bloom more. This not only encourages a longer bloom period, but it will also help to keep the plant from setting an excessive amount of seed. After the foliage has died back in late fall or early spring, if you feel so inclined, you could cut this plant to the ground. After the wildflower has turned brown, it helps to revitalize the plant so that new growth is prepared for next season. Pruning may include splitting up mature clumps every 3-5 years to maintain vitality and prevent overcrowding.

Black-Eyed Susan Companion Plants

Planting Black-Eyed Susans (Rudbeckia hirta) near other plants can improve their health, vitality, and overall beauty. Companion Planting with Black-Eyed Susans

  1. Coneflowers (Echinacea spp. ): Black-Eyed Susans and coneflowers both need similar growing conditions, such as full sun and well-drained soil. Both warm up to pollinators like bees and butterflies, with their cheery flowers that are similar daisies.
  2. Phlox (Phlox spp. 5 ): Phlox and Rudbeckia provide all the high-voltage color you need for a summer garden. It towered above black-eyed Susans with its pink, purple or white blooms mingling well among the yellow petals of lower growing plants.
  3. Ornamental Grasses: Plants such as switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) or fountain grass (Pennisetum spp.) make a beautiful background to Black-Eyed Susans. The upright or arching leaves supply fantastic texture as well as activity, balancing the vibrant blossoms of Rudbeckia.
  4. Daylilies (Hemerocallis spp. ): Both Daylilies and Black-Eyed Susans enjoy full sun, well-drained soils. BLACK-EYED SUSANS | These plants provide fall interest–especially since their peak bloom times overlap those of daylilies, but here they share the stage.
  5. Salvia (Salvia spp. ): Salvias, which send up spiky blue- purple or red blossoms; make a striking companion to the sunny yellow flowers of Black-Eyed Susans. Both plants will attract pollinators, and do best in full sun with good air circulation.

Plan companion planting with Black-Eyed Susans considering their light and soil needs, complementing height advantages or color combinations in your garden. Strategically mixing these plants can create a tapestry of diversity and harmony, drawing in beneficial insects to the garden environment as well as promoting all around health.

Preventing Pests and Diseases

Black-Eyed Susans (Rudbeckia hirta), as they stand upright to pests and diseases. Nonetheless, here are a few things to consider and prevent:

Pests:

  1. Aphids: Aphids are soft-bodied, small insects that may come in a variety of colors and often feed on the new growth of plants such as buds. Keep an eye on your plants and dislodge aphids with a hard stream of water to deter them. In cases of severe infestation, use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
  2. Slugs and Snails: These pests will create holes in leaves, especially during cool, damp weather. Encircle slug-proof plants with a barrier of copper tape or use lup traps/beer jars near them, and remove debris/weeds to make lawns unattractive.

    Diseases:

    1. Powdery Mildew : a warm and humid environment with little air circulation typically causes this white powdery coating on leaves. Plant Black-Eyed Susans in an area with good air circulation to help prevent powdery mildew and avoid overhead watering. Fungicidal sprays, if disease develops.
    2. Fungal leaf spot : Septoria Leaf Spot prohibits small, dark spots with a light center on leaves To avoid septoria leaf spot: Water plants at the base to keep foliage dry, remove and destroy infected leaves, some open plants help air circulation.

      General Preventive Measures:

      1. Keep Plants Healthy: Caring for plants by watering, fertilizing and spacing properly will increase their resistance to pests.
      2. Cleanliness: Remove and dispose of any infected plant material quickly so that pests and diseases are not spread to other parts.
      3. Mulch : Adding organic mulch around plants will suppress weeds and prevent moisture from getting on their leaves, which can set off a round of fungal diseases.
      4. Rotate Crops : If growing Black-Eyed Susans in vegetable gardens or mixed beds, rotate crops to prevent a build-up of pests and diseases that affect Rudbeckia species.

      So by following these precautions and proper monitoring of the plant you can easily take care of pests, diseases or other problems and enjoy Black-Eyed Susans in your garden that are free from every problem being healthy & lively.

      related article Brighten your Garden with Summer Flowers.

      FAQ

      What are good perennial companion plants for black-eyed Susan?

      Black-eyed Susans and other Rudbeckia species are a good companion to blue/purple blooming plants like Russian sage or Veronica, as well as mixed with jewel tones where purple coneflower, sedum ‘Autumn Joy’, New England asters etc.

      How do you winterize black-eyed Susan?

      Winterizing is not necessary as black-eyed susans are winter-hardy to USDA Zone 3, but they benefit from cutting back stalks in the fall and applying a thick layer of mulch to cover plants.

      Are black-eyed Susans pet-safe?

      Many black-eyed Susans are not toxic to pets and it is currently not on the list of ASPCA’s poisonous plants.

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