Top 10 Black-Eyed Susan Varieties for Any Garden

If sunshine had a flower, it would be the Black-Eyed Susan! Beloved across North America, Rudbeckia species bring blazing yellow, orange, and even ruby-red petals to gardens all summer long. Known for their easy care, long-lasting blooms, and ability to attract bees, butterflies, and songbirds, they've become an essential part of pollinator-friendly and eco-conscious landscapes!

Also known as Brown-Eyed Susans, Gloriosa Daisy, Brown Betty, yellow coneflower, and English Bull's Eye, there are dozens of cultivars available, so choosing the right one can feel like picking a favorite star in the sky!

To make it easier, we've rounded up the Top 10 Black-Eyed Susans available at Nature Hills - each with its own personality, size, and special appeal for wildlife and gardeners alike.

Top 10 Black-Eyed Susans At Nature Hills
Garden and Landscape Uses
Wildlife and Ecology Impact

Top 10 Black-Eyed Susans At Nature Hills

Little Suzy Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii)

This compact perennial powerhouse is perfect for borders, containers, or smaller gardens, producing golden blooms with chocolate-brown centers all summer.

USDA Zones: 4-10
Height: 18 - 24 inches
Spread: 18 - 24 inches

Little Goldstar Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida)

One of the best compact Rudbeckias, known for its tidy growth and profusion of blooms, Little Goldstar is ideal for edging and patio containers.

USDA Zones: 4-9
Height: 12 - 18 inches
Spread: 18 inches

Glitters Like Gold Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida)

shop glitters like gold Black-Eyed Susan

Bright golden-yellow flowers light up the summer garden on sturdy stems that resist flopping.

USDA Zones: 4-9
Height: 2 - 3 feet
Spread: 1 - 2 feet

American Gold Rush Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida)

Award-winning variety with outstanding mildew resistance, compact size, and a long bloom season.

USDA Zones: 4-9
Height: 22 - 26 inches
Spread: 3 - 4 feet

Goldsturm Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida 'Goldsturm')

A classic perennial favorite with reliable clumps of bright golden flowers year after year.

USDA Zones: 3-9
Height: 12 - 24 inches
Spread: 18 - 24 inches

Showy Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia speciosa)

Tall, elegant blooms make this variety a standout in meadows and prairie-style gardens.

USDA Zones: 3-7
Height: 2 - 3 feet
Spread: 18 - 24 inches

Sweet Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia subtomentosa)

Fragrant golden flowers and tall stature make this a pollinator-friendly favorite for the back of borders.

USDA Zones: 4-8
Height: 3 - 5 feet
Spread: 18 - 24 inches

Cherry Brandy Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)

Deep red blooms with mahogany centers bring drama and unique color to the garden.

USDA Zones: 5-8 (often grown as an annual)
Height: 18 - 24 inches
Spread: 12 - 15 inches

Prairie Glow Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia triloba 'Prairie Glow')

A new arrival, this vibrant variety features fiery bicolor blooms in shades of orange, red, and gold with dark centers. Upright and branching, it creates a tapestry of color in late summer and fall. Excellent for naturalized plantings, prairie gardens, or pairing with ornamental grasses.

USDA Zones: 4-10
Height: 2 - 4 feet
Spread: 1 - 2 feet

Deamii Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia deamii)

A long-lived perennial that extends garden color into fall while feeding pollinators late in the season.

USDA Zones: 4-8
Height: 24 - 30 inches
Spread: 12 - 15 inches

Garden and Landscape Uses

Black-Eyed Susans are as versatile as they are vibrant. Their sunny faces and hardy nature make them easy to tuck into almost any style of garden.

Watch the change of the seasons ripple through your landscape by incorporating Rudbeckia in mixed perennial gardens and cozy Cottage borders!

Plant en masse for a brilliant spectacle with these easy-to-grow and maintain perennials! Fill hard-to-mow hillsides and eroding slopes with the spreading Sweet Black-Eyed Susan or Green-Eyed Autumn Sun!

Drought-tolerant and Firewise, Black-Eyed Susan are xeric once established and can handle rocky, sandy, poor soil with ease! Plant in that hell strip along the road and sidewalk where these plants shrug off poor soil and occasional salt spray during the winter months. Use to add sunny blooms to Rock Gardens and mailbox gardens in the full sun all day.

Here's how these Rudbeckias shine in different landscapes:

Borders and Edging: Compact varieties like Little Suzy and Little Goldstar create neat, low-growing ribbons of color along walkways, garden paths, or mixed perennial beds. Their dense habit helps define spaces while adding cheerful, long-lasting blooms.
Mass Plantings and Meadows: Tried-and-true favorites like Goldsturm and Glitters Like Gold make stunning drifts when planted in groups. Their golden daisies sway in the breeze and pair beautifully with ornamental grasses like Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass or Pink Muhly Grass. Perfect for prairie-style gardens, cottage borders, or large-scale mass plantings.
Wildlife and Pollinator Gardens: Tall, nectar-rich selections like Sweet Black-Eyed Susan and Deamii are magnets for bees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds. Their seed heads later provide winter food for finches and sparrows. Plant them alongside Coneflowers, Bee Balm, and Russian Sage for a continuous pollinator buffet.
Cut Flower Gardens: Unique varieties like Cherry Brandy and MiniBeckia® Flame add drama to bouquets with their bold red and flame-colored petals. Their sturdy stems hold up well in vases, and they pair beautifully with Zinnias, Dahlias, and Sunflowers.
Containers and Patios: Smaller forms such as Little Suzy and Little Goldstar thrive in patio pots, balcony planters, and even urban gardens. Combine them with trailing Petunias, Geraniums, or Sunpatiens for season-long container color.
Seasonal Color Extension: Late-blooming varieties like Deamii keep color alive when most summer annuals are fading. Plant them near autumn stars like Asters and Sedums to ensure a vibrant garden that bridges summer and fall.

Together, these Black-Eyed Susan can be layered to create season-round interest - compact types in the front, mid-sized in the middle, and tall, fragrant, or showy types at the back. The result is a sunny tapestry that feels both natural and intentional, buzzing with life from June until frost.

Wildlife and Ecology Impact

Black-Eyed Susan are ecological powerhouses! Their nectar supports bees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds! In fall and winter, their seed heads feed finches, sparrows, and chickadees. The dense foliage offers shelter for beneficial insects. By planting multiple varieties, you create a long-lasting pollinator buffet and a sustainable garden ecosystem!

These hardy perennials prove that beauty and function can go hand in hand. Add them to your yard, and you'll be rewarded with color, fragrance, and a thriving habitat for wildlife.

Happy Planting!

Little Suzy Black - Eyed Susan

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Little Goldstar Black - Eyed Susan

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Glitters Like Gold Black - Eyed Susan

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American Gold Rush Black - Eyed Susan

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Goldsturm Black - Eyed Susan

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Rating

Type

Perennial

Nature Hills Nursery

American Beauties

Nature Hills Nursery

Flower Color

Yellow

Yellow

Yellow

Yellow

Yellow

Growing Zone Range

4-10

4-9

3-9

Mature Height

1-2 ft

16 ft

2-3 ft

1-3 ft

2-3 ft

Width

1-2 ft

24 ft

1-2 ft

3-4 ft

1-2 ft

Price

From $16⁹⁹

$40³³

From $16⁹⁹

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Black-eyed Susans perennial, and do they come back every year?

Yes, Black-eyed Susans are hardy perennials that return reliably each year in USDA zones 4-10, depending on the variety. These tough native plants form spreading clumps that actually get better with age, blooming consistently from summer through fall. After the first frost kills back the foliage, simply cut stems to 2-3 inches above ground level and expect vigorous new growth the following spring.

How do I overwinter Black-eyed Susans in Canada, or can I dig them up and mulch them?

Black-eyed Susans are hardy perennials that can overwinter successfully in most of Canada (zones 4-9) without digging up. Cut stems back to 2-3 inches after the first hard frost and apply a 3-4 inch layer of mulch around the crown for extra winter protection. In zone 3 or colder regions, you can dig up the clumps in late fall, store them in slightly moist peat moss in a cool basement, then replant in spring. Leave some seed heads standing to feed winter birds and provide natural cold protection for the crown.

Why is moss growing around my Black-eyed Susans, and how do I get rid of it?

Moss typically grows around Black-eyed Susans when soil stays consistently moist and receives limited sunlight, often due to overwatering or poor drainage in shaded areas. Since Rudbeckia species prefer well-draining soil and full sun (6+ hours daily), moss indicates your growing conditions may be too wet or shady for optimal performance. To eliminate moss, improve drainage by adding compost or coarse sand to heavy clay soils, reduce watering frequency, and ensure your Black-eyed Susans receive adequate sunlight. Rake out existing moss in early spring before new growth begins, then adjust your watering schedule to let soil dry between waterings.

My Black-eyed Susans have mildew or fungus—how do I treat it and prevent it?

Black-eyed Susans can develop powdery mildew, especially in humid conditions with poor air circulation. Treat existing infections by removing affected foliage and applying a fungicidal spray containing neem oil or copper-based fungicide every 7-14 days until resolved. Prevent future problems by spacing plants properly for airflow, watering at soil level rather than overhead, and choosing mildew-resistant varieties like American Gold Rush. Plant in full sun locations where morning dew dries quickly to keep foliage healthy.

Should I deadhead Black-eyed Susan seedlings, or is it necessary?

Deadheading Black-eyed Susan seedlings is not necessary for plant health, but it will encourage continuous blooming throughout the summer and prevent excessive self-seeding. Young seedlings should focus their energy on establishing strong root systems first, so wait until they're well-established before regular deadheading. For mature plants, remove spent flowers every 1-2 weeks during peak growing season (June through August) by cutting stems back to the next flower bud or leaf node.

Why are my Black-eyed Susans getting spots, and what could be causing it along with other plant issues?

Spots on Black-eyed Susans are typically caused by fungal diseases like powdery mildew, leaf spot, or rust, especially during humid conditions or when foliage stays wet. These issues are more common in zones 4-9 where humidity fluctuates and can worsen with poor air circulation, overhead watering, or overcrowded plantings. Water at soil level in early morning, ensure 18-24 inch spacing between plants, and consider mildew-resistant varieties like American Gold Rush for future plantings.

How do I deal with Japanese beetles on Black-eyed Susans?

Japanese beetles typically feed on Black-eyed Susan foliage from mid-June through August, creating skeletonized leaves that rarely kill the plant but affect appearance. For light infestations, hand-pick beetles in early morning when they're sluggish and drop them into soapy water. For heavier infestations, apply beneficial nematodes to lawn areas in late spring (soil temperature 60-85°F) to target beetle grubs, or use targeted insecticides like carbaryl when beetles first appear. Avoid Japanese beetle traps near your garden as they attract more beetles than they catch.

When should perennial Black-eyed Susans start reappearing from the ground in spring?

Perennial Black-eyed Susans typically emerge from the ground in mid to late spring, usually 2-4 weeks after your area's last frost date. In USDA zones 4-6, expect new growth to appear in late April to early May, while gardeners in zones 7-10 will see shoots emerging in early to mid-April. The exact timing depends on soil temperature reaching consistently above 50°F and local weather patterns. Mark your planting areas in fall so you don't accidentally disturb the crowns while they're still dormant underground.

How far do I trim Black-eyed Susans after they finish flowering?

Cut Black-Eyed Susans back to 2-3 inches above ground level after the first hard frost in fall, or leave seed heads through winter to feed birds and provide natural garden interest. For continued blooming during the growing season, deadhead spent flowers by cutting stems back to the next set of leaves or buds. In USDA zones 4-10, this fall cleanup helps prevent disease and encourages vigorous spring growth.

Why did deer or rabbits eat my transplanted Black-eyed Susans?

Newly transplanted Black-eyed Susans are vulnerable to deer and rabbit browsing because the stress of transplanting temporarily reduces their natural bitter compounds that typically deter these pests. Young, tender growth is more palatable than established plants, making fresh transplants an easy target during their first 4-6 weeks of establishment. Install 4-foot fencing or apply deer repellent spray weekly until plants are fully established and develop their natural defenses.

Top 10 Black-Eyed Susans For Your Garden!

Top 10 Black-Eyed Susans At Nature Hills

Little Suzy Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii)

Little Goldstar Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida)

Glitters Like Gold Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida)

American Gold Rush Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida)

Goldsturm Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida 'Goldsturm')

Showy Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia speciosa)

Sweet Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia subtomentosa)

Cherry Brandy Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)

Prairie Glow Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia triloba 'Prairie Glow')

Deamii Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia deamii)

Garden and Landscape Uses

Wildlife and Ecology Impact

Compare Plants

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Black-eyed Susans perennial, and do they come back every year?

How do I overwinter Black-eyed Susans in Canada, or can I dig them up and mulch them?

Why is moss growing around my Black-eyed Susans, and how do I get rid of it?

My Black-eyed Susans have mildew or fungus—how do I treat it and prevent it?

Should I deadhead Black-eyed Susan seedlings, or is it necessary?

Why are my Black-eyed Susans getting spots, and what could be causing it along with other plant issues?

How do I deal with Japanese beetles on Black-eyed Susans?

When should perennial Black-eyed Susans start reappearing from the ground in spring?

How far do I trim Black-eyed Susans after they finish flowering?

Why did deer or rabbits eat my transplanted Black-eyed Susans?