Black-eyed susan - Rudbeckia hirta (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images)

Black-eyed susan

Also known as: English bull's eye, Gloriosa daisy

The black-eyed susan is a flowering black and yellow plant with curving leaves. It is culturally important in the Southern U.S., and is often used to attract butterflies to gardens. It long ago spread throughout North America and much of the world. Black-eyed susan is the state flower of Maryland and was important in the history of the University of Southern Mississippi.

Scientific classification

Species

Black-eyed susan (Rudbeckia hirta)

Asters bellflowers fanflowers and allies

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Perennial, Annual

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Late spring, Summer, Fall

Bloom Time

Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall

Harvest Time

30 cm to 1 m

Plant Height

30 cm to 45 cm

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

5 cm to 10 cm

Flower Size

Brown, Copper

Fruit Color

Yellow, Orange, Red, Gold

Flower Color

Green

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Rapid

Growth Rate

Images of Black-eyed susan

Attributes of Black-eyed susan

Growth Rate

With a rapid growth rate, black-eyed susan vigorously extends height and broadens leaf width during fall, winter, and spring seasons; a visible explosive development is observable. This quickened maturation optimizes the plant's entire life cycle within a reduced timeframe, explaining its resilience in ecological niches facing harsh winters.

Distribution of Black-eyed susan

Distribution Map

Black-eyed susan is native to most of North America. Popularized as a garden ornamental, it can now be found widely in west and central Europe, Scandinavia, Korea, and Myanmar. Its native ecosystem is grasslands, fields and other areas with few trees to block out light.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Parks, gardens

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Flowering

Fruiting

Culture

Garden Use

The widespread wildflower, black-eyed susan, is a welcome addition to courtyard gardens. They are prized for their bright, cheerful beauty, adding a golden glow to gardens. They are also often seen in prairie and cottage gardens, where they attract a wide variety of pollinators. The beauty of this plant pairs very well with other prairie flowers such as the butterfly weed and the purple coneflower.

Symbolism

Justice, Impartiality, Strength, encouragement, breaking bad habits

Interesting Facts

One of the favorite wildflowers in the United States, black-eyed susan is a symbol of encouragement and motivation. Rudbeckia hirta was declared a state flower of Maryland in 1918.

Name Story

Black-eyed susan: The name comes from a poem by John Gay, who portrayed black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) and sweet William (Dianthus barbatus) as humans to tell a love story, and the name Black-eyed Susan is still in use today. Although its stamen is not really black, it is actually brown colored.

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Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Black-eyed susan, including the following common varieties :

Black-eyed susan 'Summerina Orange'Black-eyed susan 'Giggling Smileyz'Black-eyed susan 'Marmalade'Black-eyed susan 'Denver Daisy'Black-eyed susan 'Cherry Brandy'Black-eyed susan 'Indian Summer'Black-eyed susan 'Chocolate Orange'Black-eyed susan 'Prairie Sun'Black-eyed susan 'Cappuccino'Black-eyed susan 'Maya'Black-eyed susan 'Toto'

Quickly Identify Black-eyed susan

Dark brown central cone surrounded by bright yellow ray florets

Egg-shaped central dome with vibrant orange-yellow to deep red rays

Dry cypsela fruit with small, oblong shape and rich brown seeds

Distinctive winged petiole with hairy, veined leaves and serrate margins

Grooved, bristly stem reaching 1-2 feet in height, simple or with limited branching

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Care Guide for Black-eyed susan

Twice per week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Black-eyed susan thrives in moist environments, requiring consistent watering practices to prevent waterlogging. For optimal growth, water black-eyed susan twice weekly, ensuring soil remains damp yet well-drained. Its vibrant flowering is dependent on adequate hydration throughout the active growing season.

Fertilize: For black-eyed susan, use balanced fertilizers (10-10-10) during growth, switching to high phosphorus pre-flowering, applied every 4-6 weeks. Adjust nutrition seasonally; reduce in winter. Apply on moist soil and avoid foliage contact to prevent burn.

Pruning: Black-eyed susan features bright yellow petals with a dark center. Deadhead blooms to extend flowering. Prune in early spring to remove damaged growth, cutting above leaf nodes for improved air circulation, sunlight exposure, and reduced disease risk, fostering a healthier, more attractive plant.

Propagation: Black-eyed susan propagation is best achieved through sowing in Spring. Maintaining adequate spacing and consistently moist soil promotes healthy root and shoot growth. Successful propagation is marked by the development of robust roots and stems, with a moderate difficulty level overall.

Repotting: Repot black-eyed susan every 2-3 years in spring using a slightly larger, well-draining pot. After repotting, water thoroughly and position in full sunlight, avoiding overwatering. While black-eyed susan is resilient, consistent post-care is essential for robust growth.

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