In the Spotlight:

Black-eyed Susan

Jun 22, 2025

Image by Janet Herman from Pixabay

Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) is one of North America’s most beloved wildflowers, celebrated for its cheerful golden-yellow petals surrounding a dark chocolate-brown center. This classic daisy-like perennial shines in cottage gardens, prairie restorations, and mixed borders, offering up months of bright color from mid-summer into fall. Renowned for its adaptability and low-maintenance habits, Black-eyed Susan is a must-have for Southeast Wisconsin gardeners seeking long-lasting bloom, wildlife value, and ease of care.

Key Characteristics

  • Bloom Time & Flowers

    • Flowers appear from July through October, peaking in late summer

    • Each 2–3″ bloom features a contrasting dark cone (“eye”) encircled by 8–12 golden rays

    • Flowers open sequentially, keeping the plant in continuous bloom for weeks

  • Foliage & Habit

    • Erect stems reach 2–3 ft tall, supporting blooms well above foliage

    • Leaves are coarse-textured, lanceolate to ovate, and may be slightly hairy

    • Forms tidy clumps 1–2 ft wide; self-sows readily in ideal conditions

  • Wildlife Appeal

    • Nectar source for bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects

    • Seed heads feed goldfinches and other small songbirds in autumn

Cultural Requirements

  • Light

    • Thrives in full sun (at least 6 hours daily) for best flowering

    • Tolerates light afternoon shade, though blooms may be sparser

  • Soil

    • Performs in average, well-drained soils; tolerates poor or dry sites

    • Avoid heavy clay or waterlogged soils—amend with compost for better drainage

  • Water

    • Establish with regular watering for the first season; thereafter drought-tolerant

    • Mulch around the base to conserve moisture and suppress weeds

  • Hardiness

    • USDA Zones 3–9

    • Dies back in winter; foliage may persist in mild climates or under light snow cover

Landscape Uses & Companion Plants

  1. Cottage & Cutting Gardens

    • Combine with Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum × superbum), Coreopsis (Coreopsis verticillata), and Salvia (Salvia nemorosa) for a cheerful, old-fashioned palette.

    • Stems make excellent cut blooms—ideal for summer bouquets.

  2. Prairie & Meadow Restorations

    • Works seamlessly with native grasses like Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum).

    • Pair with Tall Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) and New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) for layered late-season interest.

  3. Pollinator Gardens

    • Nectar and pollen attract butterflies, bees, and hoverflies.

    • Leave seed heads intact into winter for birds and beneficial insect habitat.

  4. Borders & Mass Plantings

    • Use as a bright backdrop in mixed perennial borders.

    • Mass plantings create a sunny swath of color along pathways or foundation beds.

Seasonal Care & Maintenance

  1. Division & Propagation

    • Divide overcrowded clumps every 3–4 years in spring to rejuvenate vigor.

    • Collect seeds in autumn for sowing next season or sharing with friends.

  2. Deadheading & Tidy-Up

    • Remove spent blooms to encourage additional flowering and maintain neat appearance.

    • Alternatively, leave some seed heads for natural reseeding and winter interest.

  3. Fertilization

    • Low feeder: apply a light layer of compost or balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring.

    • Excessive nitrogen can lead to floppy growth, so avoid high-nitrogen feeds.

  4. Pest & Disease Management

    • Generally trouble-free; occasional powdery mildew can be reduced by spacing for good air circulation.

    • Slugs and snails rarely target Black-eyed Susan; deer tend to avoid the coarse foliage.

  5. Winter Protection

    • In late fall, cut back stems to just above ground or leave standing for habitat value.

    • Apply a 1–2″ layer of mulch over the crown in colder microclimates to prevent heaving.

Ecological & Garden Benefits

  • Wildlife Magnet: Dual role as pollinator nectar source and seed provider for birds.

  • Resilient Performer: Adapts to a range of conditions—from dry soils to heat—and requires minimal upkeep.

  • Season-Long Interest: A bright summer show that transitions into structural seed heads for fall and winter texture.

Conclusion & Availability

Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) embodies the best of summer gardens: cheerful color, effortless care, and wildlife value. Whether you’re restoring a native prairie patch, brightening a mixed border, or simply seeking reliable summer blooms, this classic perennial delivers year after year.

Ready to welcome Black-eyed Susan into your Southeast Wisconsin garden?
Stop by Heritage Hill Nursery in New Berlin or browse our online store to select healthy clumps and explore companion plants that will make your garden sing all season long!