Black Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) is a classic North American wildflower loved for its cheerful golden-yellow petals and deep brown centers. This heirloom variety brings warmth, resilience, and color to any landscape — blooming continuously through summer and attracting bees, butterflies, and songbirds.
Perfect for wildflower meadows, cottage gardens, and borders, Black Eyed Susan thrives in full sun and tolerates poor soils once established. A low-maintenance native that reseeds easily, it returns each year to create a vibrant, pollinator-friendly display.
Features
- Bright yellow, daisy-like heirloom blooms
- Hardy and drought-tolerant once established
- Attracts bees, butterflies, and birds
- Ideal for borders, meadows, and naturalized gardens
- Non-GMO, open-pollinated native Rudbeckia hirta seeds
Specifications
- Scientific Name: Rudbeckia hirta
- Common Name: Black Eyed Susan
- Plant Type: Biennial / Short-Lived Perennial
- Seed Type: Non-GMO Heirloom
- Flower Color: Golden Yellow with Brown Center
- Mature Height: 18–36 inches (45–90 cm)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 3–9
- Light Requirements: Full Sun
- Soil Type: Well-drained, average soil
- Watering Needs: Low to Moderate
- Bloom Time: Mid-Summer to Early Fall
- Plant Spacing: 12–18 inches apart
- Container Friendly: Yes
- Uses: Wildflower meadows, pollinator gardens, cut flowers, borders
Planting Guide
- Sow seeds directly outdoors in spring or early fall.
- Lightly press seeds into the soil; do not cover deeply.
- Keep soil moist until germination (10–20 days).
- Thin seedlings to 12–18 inches apart for best growth.
- Prefers full sun and well-draining soil.
- Water moderately until plants are established.
- Deadhead faded blooms to prolong flowering.
- Allow some flowers to go to seed for self-reseeding.
- Tolerates heat and drought once mature.
- Cut back plants after frost or leave seed heads for winter birds.
