How to Grow and Care for Black-Eyed Susans, a Cheerful, Drought-Tolerant Flower

Black-eyed Susans, also known as rudbeckias, gloriosa daisies, and coneflowers, are popular wildflowers in many gardens thanks to their hardy nature. They can be grown as annuals, perennials, and even bi-annuals, depending on where you live. Black-eyed Susans are beneficial for your yard because they are low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, a source of food for wildlife and pollinators, and they are considered relatively deer-resistant. The flowers come in many shades, but they're best known for their cheerful yellow flowers with dark black centers. We spoke with gardening experts for tips on how to grow and care for black-eyed Susans.

Identifying Black-Eyed Susans

The plants get their name from that black "eye" in the middle of the flower. "The classic black-eyed Susan has bright yellow-orange petals with a dark, nearly black center," says Breanna Sherlock, the in-house plant expert for Planta. "There are over 24 native species of this plant throughout North America, so you can also find a variety of colors from canary yellow and sunset orange to deep ruby red."

Several varieties have striped petals in a mix of shades and double-petal iterations with fluffier flowers, says Sherlock.

Growing Black-Eyed Susans as Perennials vs. Annuals

Most black-eyed Susan varieties are flowering perennials hardy to zones 4 through 9, explains Angie Eckert, the vice president of retail operations for Eckert's Farms. "The native species are often found in prairies across the United States," she says. Because of their popularity, many cultivars are currently being propagated for better garden performance. "For example, some varieties have a more compact growth habit, larger flowers, and long bloom times," says Eckert.

According to Sherlock, whether your plants come back year after year depends on your location and the type of species you're growing—so be mindful of your variety's scientific name. "R. fulgida are very reliable perennials because of their rhizomatous root systems, whereas R. hirta are more often grown as annuals (or short-lived perennials) since they are sensitive to cold, wet winters," Sherlock says.

How to Plant Black-Eyed Susans

Black-eyed Susans are prolific self-seeders, says Patrick McDonough Jr., the senior product and procurement manager at Burpee Gardening. That means you may get fresh blooms come spring, even if the mother plant doesn't survive the winter.

When to Plant

Starting from scratch is just as simple. "Rudbeckia can be planted from seed indoors, sown directly outdoors, or bought in a pot depending on preference," McDonough says.

If you decide against purchasing and planting mature plants in the spring, scoop up some seeds and start them indoors roughly two months before your locale's last frost date. Or, you can put the seeds directly into the ground when warmer weather hits in the spring or summer. Seeds for perennial varieties, specifically, can be sowed directly outdoors in spring or fall; mature perennials can be transplanted at both points of the year, as well.

Where to Plant

As you get ready to plant this variety, remember that they are enthusiastic re-seeders. Because of this, your flower plot will likely spread considerably over time, so be sure to add them to a spot where they'll have plenty of room to stretch their petals. "Some have a more compact growth habit, so they form round, bushy clumps, while others will grow much taller—some reach up to 4 feet," says Sherlock. "It's always a good idea to keep this in mind when you're designing your garden space."

Black-Eyed Susan Growing and Care Tips

Once your rudbeckias are established, general care and maintenance are a breeze. Heed the following requirements, and these hands-off plants will thrive.

• Light: Full sun
• Soil: Rich, moist, well-draining soil
• Water: Water regularly until plants are established; mature plants are drought-tolerant and require little hydration
• Fertilizer: Apply a small amount of all-purpose fertilizer to establish new plants (though this is not necessary)
• Propagation: Harvest seeds from thriving rudbeckias or divide a healthy plant in late fall or early spring

Deadheading and Pruning

Eckert loves this plant because it sustains the local pollinators. "The flowers attract butterflies, and the dried seed heads are enjoyed by native birds," she says.

Because of this, you may want to hold off on cutting back black-eyed Susans. "They can be deadheaded any time of year to promote new flower growth, but pruning the entire plant should be done autumn to early spring," McDonough says. "I advise waiting until spring for a few reasons: the dead foliage insulates the roots to help protect them over the winter, and the dried seed heads can feed birds."

Once the plant has died back completely, cut it down. "If you prefer, this can be done in fall—otherwise, you can leave them until early spring," Sherlock says, echoing McDonough's sentiments about the plant's importance to local wildlife.

How to Protect Black-Eyed Susans From Pests

If you have black-eyed Susans in your garden, look out for common pests like aphids and spider mites, which will mainly affect the appearance of the foliage, says McDonough. "Aphids can be mitigated by natural predators, like ladybugs, and spider mites can be controlled by spraying water every other day, he says. "You can also apply an insecticidal soap if you're dealing with an isolated plant or two."