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Black-eyed Susan plants are now in bloom. They add spectacular mid-to-late summer beauty to the landscape. They are low maintenance, and many cultivars are available.
Two species, both referred to as Black-eyed Susan, native to the Midwest and Eastern North America, are parent plants to most cultivars. Cultivars of one, Rudbeckia hirta, are used as annuals or short-lived perennials. They flower for much of the growing season. Flower color varies from deep yellow to creamy yellow and bicolored types that fade from brownish orange to yellow at the edge. The flowers themselves are somewhat reminiscent of sunflowers but the plants have a much more controlled growth habit. ‘Indian Summer' is a particularly popular type.
The other common species is R. fulgida is a longer lived perennial. It blooms from mid-July to Mid-August, and maybe longer if deadheaded. The most common cultivar is ‘Goldsturm,' which is Dutch for gold storm. ‘Guldsturm' grows up to 3 ½ feet tall. Other similar cultivars exist.
Both species are often advertised as being drought hardy and suitable for waterwise landscapes. This is true in wetter climates. In the Intermountain West, established plants require deep watering every 7-14 days, depending on the soil and temperatures. The flowers are often used in bouquets and will remain fresh for up to ten days. Black-eyed Susan's are relatively disease and pest free. They sometimes suffer from a disease called angular leaf spot and may succumb to root-rot if over watered.
