Little Suzy Black - Eyed Susan

Rudbeckia fulgida var. speciosa 'Viette's Little Suzy'

Nature Hills Nursery

Compact Dwarf Black-Eyed Susans that Stay Trim and Bloom Prolifically All Season
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 4-10
Grows 1-2 ft Tall and Wide
Showy Yellow Blooms From Late Summer to Early Fall
Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant

$16⁹⁹

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Quart Container #1 Container

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Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Little Suzy thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct light daily to maintain its compact shape and high flower count. While it tolerates light afternoon shade, less sun often leads to "leggy" stems and fewer golden blooms.
Soil: These plants prefer well drained soil with a moderate amount of organic matter. If you have heavy clay that stays soggy, mix in compost or plant them in a raised mound to improve drainage and prevent root rot.

Watering Requirements

During the first growing season, water Little Suzy twice a week to help the roots establish deep into the soil. Once mature, these plants are quite drought tolerant, but providing a deep soak during dry spells keeps the foliage lush and prevents the blooms from wilting prematurely. Inconsistent watering during peak heat can cause the lower leaves to yellow and drop.

Pruning Tips

Since Little Suzy blooms on new wood produced in the current season, you should cut the entire plant back to about 2 inches above the ground in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers throughout the summer, encourages the plant to put its energy into producing more buds rather than seeds. Think of deadheading like a haircut that keeps the plant looking tidy and energized for a longer blooming window.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer once in early spring as new green shoots emerge from the soil. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer because this can force tender new growth that won't be hardy enough to survive the first frost. A single application of a general purpose garden food is usually all this hardy perennial needs to fuel its mid to late summer display.

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Plant specifications
Botanical Name	Rudbeckia fulgida var. speciosa 'Viette's Little Suzy'
Class	Magnoliopsida
Species	fulgida var. speciosa
Cultivar	Viette
Growing Zones	4-10
Height	1-2 ft
Width	1-2 ft
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade
Growth Rate	Moderate
Flower Color	Yellow
Leaf Color	Green
Native	Yes
Bloom Period	Late Summer, Early Fall
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

One of the nicest varieties of our beloved native Rudbeckia, Little Suzy Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida var. speciosa 'Viette's Little Suzy') stays trim and tidy! These natural dwarfs are prolific bloomers! The showy display starts in mid-summer and lasts well into fall.

Each bloom features electric yellow petals encircling a dark brown disc that is composed of individual tiny flowers. Over the course of the season, seeds develop in the dark, brownish-purple centers.

Butterflies love the flat landing pad to feast on summertime nectar. Please keep the plants standing during your fall cleanup. You'll love the way the dried blooms catch and sculpt light, fluffy snowfall. Birds will also appreciate your thoughtfulness, as they find the valuable seed food source! Overwintering songbirds peck at the nutrient-rich seeds.

Little Suzy makes a big statement with brilliant color. The foliage is dark green and medium-textured, and the contrasting color "pops" the happy yellow blooms. Add the cut flowers to indoor arrangements. Don't worry, there'll be plenty to choose from, and more on the way! This special variety is well-known for the abundance and length of its flowering period.

You can call her the "Energizer Bunny" of blooms! And you won't need to fuss over this easy-care, low-maintenance selection. Little Suzy is durable, Xeric, heat tolerant, and cold-hardy. This giving plant earns a place of honor in your landscape design. Rely on her as a showy staple in your landscape design.

Planting and Application:

Enliven your mature foundation plantings with Little Suzy! They are perfectly suited for use in the front yard with their crisp and clean form. Great garden edging, they grow happily along the sunny hot portions of the landscape. Run a colorful ribbon of them all along your borders, or use them as facer plants to hide the bare stems of leggy shrubs.

Of course, you'll love them throughout your yard near the front of your planting beds. They make wonderful "Fillers" in large exterior containers. Or brighten up a walkway in a narrow planting bed. Add them on either side of your front door for a cheery greeting!

Create a fresh take on "Modern" plantings with an organic collection of many different Black-Eyed Susans in a rectangular raised bed. Play with height and color by planting a curated collection with other late-summer garden perennials.

These small plants beg you to loosen up and have a little fun! Why not create a classic Cottage Garden? Let them shine with Landscape Roses, Coneflowers, and Sedum groundcovers. Use these compact plants near the edge of your Butterfly Gardens and cut flower borders as well! This is a wonderful plant to include in a Children's Garden. They'll learn so much about life by watching the beautiful wings of visiting butterflies and helpful pollinators.

Easy-Care Selection of a Native Plant
Plenty of Cheerful, Golden-Yellow Flowers
Dark Green Foliage & Tidy, Uniform Habit
Starts Blooming Mid-Summer & Doesn't Quit Until Fall
Feed Butterflies & Helpful to Pollinators & Birds Eat The Seeds
Great in Cut Flower Arrangements & Excellent in Containers

#ProPlantTips for Care:

These are great plants for the first-time gardener! They are so easy to grow! Of course, their charm isn't lost on experienced plant lovers, either. They know a good thing when they see it! Plant Little Suzy Black-Eyed Susan in full sun for the best bloom production. They will tolerate partial shade, as long as they receive at least 4 hours of direct sunlight a day.

These prairie plants require well-drained soil types. If you have poorly drained soil, simply grow them in a raised bed or container. Pay attention to the water during the first season. Poke your finger into the soil near your plant. Skip watering if it feels moist. Check again the next day. Provide a medium amount of water as it starts to get dry. Give Little Suzy a medium amount of supplemental water if you don't receive adequate rainfall. She'll perform her best with regular water.

As you can, deadhead the spent flowers using a sharp pair of garden snips. You'll tidy the plant and encourage more blooming. In early spring, cut the dried stalks back to within an inch above ground level. Compost the stems for use in your Victory Garden. Or "chop and drop" to improve the quality of your soil over time. These perennials appreciate 3-4 inches of mulch over the entire root system for best results.

Cold Hardy & Heat Tolerant
Widely Adaptable To Any Well-Drained Soil
Moderate to Low Moisture Needs
Drought Tolerant Once Established
Easy to Grow, Great for Beginners
Deer Don't Tend to Bother This Plant

It's no secret that professional designers are on the hunt for this variety. If it's in stock on our site, place your order for Little Suzy Black-Eyed Susan today! Go ahead, make it your mission to make people smile as they walk past your home!

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Growing Zones 4-10

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Frequently Asked Questions

What USDA hardiness zones is Little Suzy Black-Eyed Susan suitable for?

Little Suzy Black-Eyed Susan thrives in USDA zones 3-9, making it adaptable to most regions across the United States. This cold-hardy perennial handles both freezing winters and hot summers with ease. Plant in full sun for best flowering performance.

What is the mature height and spread of Little Suzy Black-Eyed Susan?

Little Suzy Black-Eyed Susan reaches 12-15 inches tall and spreads 12-18 inches wide at maturity. This compact dwarf variety stays naturally tidy without requiring frequent division. Plant them 12-15 inches apart for solid coverage, available at naturehills.com.

Does Little Suzy Black-Eyed Susan grow well in containers?

Little Suzy Black-Eyed Susan adapts well to container growing with its compact, tidy growth habit. This dwarf variety won't outgrow pots like larger Rudbeckia. Use well-draining soil and place containers in full sun for best blooming from mid-summer through fall.

What are the soil requirements for planting Little Suzy Black-Eyed Susan?

Little Suzy Black-Eyed Susan thrives in well-draining soil and tolerates poor, dry conditions once established. This xeric perennial adapts to various soil types but performs best in average garden soil. Plant in full sun for maximum blooms and compact growth habit.

How much sun does Little Suzy Black-Eyed Susan need?

Little Suzy Black-Eyed Susan thrives in full sun and tolerates the hottest, sunniest spots in your landscape. This heat-tolerant perennial actually performs best with 6+ hours of direct sunlight daily. Plant it along sunny borders or hot foundation areas where other plants struggle.

Is Little Suzy Black-Eyed Susan drought tolerant once established?

Yes, Little Suzy is drought tolerant once established and described as Xeric, meaning it thrives in dry conditions. This heat-tolerant perennial is well-suited for sunny, hot portions of your landscape where water may be limited. Plant it in well-draining soil and water regularly the first season to establish strong roots.

When does Little Suzy Black-Eyed Susan bloom, and how long does it last?

Little Suzy Black-Eyed Susan blooms from mid-summer through fall, offering one of the longest flowering periods of any Rudbeckia variety. The prolific yellow blooms with dark centers provide months of continuous color and attract butterflies throughout the season. Leave spent blooms standing after blooming ends to feed overwintering birds.

Is Little Suzy Black-Eyed Susan deer resistant?

Little Suzy Black-Eyed Susan is naturally deer resistant due to its native Rudbeckia genetics. The coarse-textured foliage and strong scent typically deter browsing deer. Plant in sunny, well-drained areas for best deer resistance.