Black-eyed susan 'Chocolate Orange' (Rudbeckia hirta 'Chocolate Orange')

Black-eyed susan 'Chocolate Orange'

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

Black-eyed susan 'Chocolate Orange' offers a spectacular show of large, dark chocolate flowers that are outlined in bold orange. It is known for its profuse blooms that almost cover the dark green foliage by mid-summer. This is a cultivar of Rudbeckia hirta, the black-eyed susan, named for the colors of the flowers. Easy to grow, it looks stunning planted en masse as an accent plant.

Scientific classification

Asters bellflowers fanflowers and allies

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Annual, Perennial

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Late spring, Summer, Fall

Bloom Time

Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall

Harvest Time

60 cm to 90 cm

Plant Height

Brown, Copper

Fruit Color

Red, Orange, Black

Flower Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Semi-evergreen

Leaf type

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Care Guide for Black-eyed susan 'Chocolate Orange'

Twice per week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Black-eyed susan 'Chocolate Orange' thrives in North American prairies, exhibiting resilience to drought and full sun. This hardy perennial prefers well-drained conditions and requires watering twice a week. It is typically grown outdoors for its vibrant flowers and benefits from a growing season with adequate soil moisture.

Fertilize: For optimal growth and blooms of black-eyed susan 'Chocolate Orange', use balanced fertilizers and switch to high-nitrogen formulations at the growing season's start. Fertilize monthly at reduced strength to prevent nutrient burn. Adding phosphorus during peak blooms boosts flower production. Always water thoroughly post-fertilization.

Pruning: Black-eyed susan 'Chocolate Orange' features vibrant blooms and sturdy stems. Prune in early to late spring by removing dead or damaged stems to promote growth. Deadheading encourages prolonged blooming. Gentle handling preserves emerging shoots, enhancing appearance, growth, and disease resistance for a robust, flourishing black-eyed susan 'Chocolate Orange'.

Propagation: Black-eyed susan 'Chocolate Orange' grows best when seeds are sown in well-draining soil and lightly pressed into the ground without full coverage, as they need light to germinate. Maintain consistent moisture until seedlings establish, and thin them to prevent overcrowding for optimal growth and blooming.

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