Scientific Name
Rudbeckia fulgida 'Early Bird Gold'
Common Name(s)
Black-eyed Susan
Scientific Classification
Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Rudbeckia
Flower
Color: Bright yellow
Bloom Time: June to October
Description
Rudbeckia fulgida 'Early Bird Gold' is a compact plant that grows up to 2 feet (60 cm) tall on stiff upright stems clad with dark green, oblong to lanceolate leaves. Daisy-like flowers are up to 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter, with bright yellow rays and a dark brown dome-shaped center. They appear atop strong, sometimes-branching stems from mid-June to October. This cultivar is reportedly a day-neutral plant (bloom occurs without regard to day length), hence its extended late spring (early bird) to fall bloom time.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 3a to 9b: from −40 °F (−40 °C) to 30 °F (−1.1 °C).
How to Grow and 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.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Black Eyed Susan.
Origin
This plant was discovered growing in a field of Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii 'Goldsturm' at Dupont Nursery in Louisiana.
Links
- Back to genus Rudbeckia
- Plantpedia: Browse flowering plants by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, or Origin
Photo Gallery
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