Rudbeckia hirta, also known as Black Eyed Susan, is a versatile, heat- and drought-tolerant flowering plant that should be included in many landscapes. Black Eyed Susan plants grow all summer long, providing perky color and velvety foliage, requiring little care from the gardener.
As with many wildflowers, growing Black Eyed Susan plants is rewarding and straightforward when blooms brighten the garden, natural area, or meadow. A member of the Daisy Family, Black Eyed Susans go by other names, such as Gloriosa Daisy or Brown Eyed Susan.
Black Eyed Susans may be annual, biennial, or short-lived perennials. Heights of various Rudbeckia reach from a few inches to a few feet. Dwarf varieties are available. Whatever the landscape situation, most areas can benefit from the yellow petaled blooms with brown centers, which begin in late spring and last throughout the summer.
Growing Conditions and General Care
Black Eyed Susan plants are drought resistant, self-seeding, and grow in various soils. Growing Black Eyed Susans prefer a neutral soil pH and a full sun to light shade location.
Black Eyed Susan care will often include deadheading the spent blooms of the flower. Deadheading encourages more blooms and a sturdier, more compact plant. It also can stop or slow the spread of the Black Eyed Susan flower, as seeds are contained in the blooms. Seeds may be allowed to dry on the stem for reseeding or collected and dried in other ways for replanting in other areas. Seeds do not necessarily grow to the same height as the parent from which they were collected.
The Black Eyed Susan flower attracts butterflies, bees, and other pollinators to the garden. Deer, rabbits, and other wildlife may be drawn to Black Eyed Susans, which they consume or use for shelter. When planted in the garden, plant the Black Eyed Susan flower near Lavender, Rosemary, or other repellent plants to keep wildlife at bay.
Remember to use some of the flowers indoors as cut flowers, where they will last a week or longer.
Source: gardeningknowhow.com
Links
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