black-eyed susan
Rudbeckia fulgida
RHS AGM 1993
USDA zones3 to 9
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size2 to 3 feet tall2 to 2.5 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Rapid
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Orange / yellow
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida) is a perennial for borders, meadows, pollinator gardens, and rain gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full or part sun and dry to moist soil of most types. It self-sows and makes offsets, so give it room to spread. Butterflies, bees, and birds visit the blooms. Deer and rabbits usually look elsewhere for a meal.
Pairs well with Little bluestem, Joe Pye weed, and Aromatic aster.
Native range
Southeastern United States.