The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
Dependable and easy-careblack-eyed Susans(Rudbeckia hirta) have become a garden staple.
The plant’s ability to self-seed makes it a great choice for abundant wildflower gardens.
Most black-eyed Susans areperennialsand can be planted after the last frost in spring.
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
Soil
Black-eyed Susans are not particular about soil.
They do best in soil that is not too rich and is well-drained, with a pH around 6.8.
Once established, they will be drought-resistant.
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
It handles both drought and humidity well, but it does need good air circulation to avoid powdery mildew.
Fertilizer
Go easy on the fertilizer.
Black-eyed Susans grow even in poor, infertile soil.A side dressing ofcompostshould be all they will need.
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
Regular deadheading of the faded flowers keeps the plants in bloom longer.
You will also get a good deal of self-seeding, which might not be a bad thing.
Black-eyed Susans make greatcut flowers.
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
The seed heads hold up well, too, and look attractive in arrangements.
Fast-growing black-eyed Susan is easily the most commonly known Rudbeckia, with its daisy-like flowers with large seed heads.
Common Pests & Plant Diseases
Black-eyed Susan is rarely bothered by serious pests and diseases.
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
However, it can still face issues withaphids,spider mites,snails, and slugs.
you’ve got the option to hose off the pests with water or apply a gentle insecticide.
Septoria or angular leaf spots are two fungal diseases that form black spots on the leaves and stems.
Removing and throwing infected leaves in the trash instead of composting helps to contain the spread.
What Do Black-Eyed Susan Flowers Look and Smell Like?
They have a sweet yet spicy scent that some people liken to anise.
How to Encourage More Blooms
Black-eyes Susans need full sun to bloom.
Some perennial varieties may not bloom until the second year.
Common Problems with Black-Eyed Susan
Powdery mildewcan affect the leaves in hot, humid conditions.
Minimize this by planting in full sun, and thinning the plants to allow for good air circulation.
Black-eyed Susans are winter-hardy up to USDA zone 3 so they do not have to be winterized.
Black-eyed Susan is non-toxic to pets and is currently not listed on the ASPCA toxic plants list.
Black-Eyed Susan: Beautiful and Beneficial.Penn State University.
