Growing Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia)

Botanical Name:

Rudebeckia

Life Cycle:

perennial, biennial, and annual

Planting Time:

spring or fall

Height:

18" to 30"

Exposure:

full sun to very light shade

Soil:

average to rich, well-drained soil; drought resistant

Hardiness:

zones 3 to 9

Bloom Time:

summer to fall

Flower:

dark-golden yellow to orange daisy-shaped petals with chocolate brown to black centers

Foliage:

green

Propagation:

seeds, division

Suggested Use:

beds, borders, mass plantings

Growing Hints:

Purchase plants in the spring or start your own by sowing seeds directly into ground or into pots in the early spring or late fall. Seeds need light to germinate so don't cover them, but press them gently into the surface of the soil. Plants will self-seed and can be divided in the spring or fall.

Interesting Facts:

A wildflower native to North America, Rudbeckias are wonderful for attracting backyard birds, especially finches, chickadees, cardinals, sparrows and nuthatches.