Black Eyed Susan

Brilliant Black-Eyed Susans at Nature Hills

The Black-Eyed Susan plant (Rudbeckia) is a beloved perennial that lights up the garden from mid to late summer when most plants start to fade. Bright golden-yellow or orange petals encircle rich chocolate-brown centers, adding cheerful color to any sunny spot.

Try the orange-yellow blooms of Deamii Black-Eyed Susan or the fiery bi-color MiniBeckia™ Flame Rudbeckia. These upright, hairy-stemmed plants form neat, mounded clumps of deep green leaves that resist deer, rabbits, and most pests or diseases.

Black-Eyed Susans are hardy and versatile perennials, thriving from chilly Zone 3 to warm Zone 9. They're heat- and cold-tolerant, making them reliable performers for nearly every region.

Pollinator and Wildlife Favorites

Butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds flock to the nectar-rich blooms, especially valuable in late summer when other food sources are scarce. Once the flowers go to seed, the cones become natural bird feeders, attracting Goldfinch, Sparrows, and other backyard songbirds.

Landscaping with Black-Eyed Susans

These drought-tolerant perennials are fantastic for borders, native gardens, and sunny slopes. Use them en masse for a bold display or pair them with other perennials like Coneflowers, Asters, and Milkweed for a naturalized look that supports pollinators all season long.

Compact forms such as Little Goldstar and Little Suzy are perfect for small gardens, containers, and sunny patios. Their long-lasting blooms also make excellent cut flowers for cheerful arrangements.

Rudbeckia are low-maintenance, Firewise, and xeric once established, perfect for rock gardens, roadside plantings, and poor or sandy soils. These sun-loving perennials bring brilliant color to any landscape with minimal effort.

Check out our top 10 Black-Eyed Susan here!

Care & Maintenance

Plant these herbaceous perennials in full sun and well-drained soil. Water regularly during the first year, then reduce once established. Deadhead to encourage reblooming or leave the final flowers to feed birds through winter.

Divide clumps every few years to keep them healthy and prevent overcrowding. If powdery mildew appears, prune back foliage in fall to avoid overwintering fungus (read more on treating and preventing powdery mildew here).

These resilient plants thrive with minimal care, even in challenging soils and climates.

Read all about planting and caring for Black-Eyed Susan in our Garden Guide!

Brighten Your Garden With Rays of Sunshine!

Add long-lasting color and pollinator power with Black-Eyed Susans from Nature Hills Nursery. Family-owned since 2001, we ship high-quality plants backed by our Product Guarantee. Visit our Planting Guide and shop the full Rudbeckia collection today to bring home these sunny, easy-care blooms!