Learn About Black Eyed Susan Care

Black eyed Susan plants are drought resistant, self-seeding and grow in a variety of 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.

How do you care for black-eyed Susans?

Plant black-eyed Susans in full sun in spring or early fall. Water plants thoroughly at the time of planting and as needed throughout the season. Feed plants once at the beginning of the growing season with Miracle-Gro® Shake 'n Feed® Rose & Bloom Plant Food. Deadhead to keep plants tidy and encourage more blooms.

Should you cut back black-eyed Susans?

Cut back the the entire black-eyed Susan plant after the first fall frost kills off any remaining flowers. In fall, you can cut this perennial back to 2 inches above the soil line if the plant is diseased or you consider the dead stems unattractive.

How do you take care of Black-Eyed Susans in the winter?

After the first hard frost, cover the plants with a foot of loose mulch, such as straw. In warmer climates where snow is light or rare, you can choose to leave the plants until spring to shelter and feed wildlife, or cut the plants back. Any diseased plants should be removed and placed in the trash.

Do Black-Eyed Susans come back every year?

Blooming mainly in summer, black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia hirta) commonly grow 24 inches tall with signature yellow to orange petals and a dark center point. Although the blossoms appear fragile, these perennials have a strong root system that often allows the plant to rejuvenate itself every year.

How long do Black Eyed Susans last?

As they drink the nectar, they move pollen from one plant to another, causing it to grow fruits and seeds that can move about easily with the wind. These plants bloom from June to October.

Are Black Eyed Susans invasive?

While not considered invasive, black-eyed Susans self-seed, so they do spread if not kept in check. They are available as perennials, annuals or biennials.

Are Black Eyed Susans toxic to dogs?

Species. Black-eyed Susan has been known to cause mild poisoning in cattle and pigs. It may also be dangerous to cats, dogs and other household pets. This flower should also be kept away from small children, who may chew it or get the sap on their skin.

What animal eats black eyed Susans?

Deer will also eat black eyed susans, but the cages have worked pretty well. The problem with repellents is that the animals get used to them and they stop working. There is also animal netting sold at garden centers.

Why are my Black Eyed Susans turning black?

A: That's actually a fairly common disease on black-eyed susans cleverly called "leaf spot," and it usually is at its worst in warm, humid weather (i.e. our typical August). ... It is a fungal disease -- most likely either Septoria or Cercospora.

How do you winterize coneflowers?

Deadhead coneflowers throughout the summer and early fall when the flowers wither or dry up. Cut them off from about 1/4 inch above the closest flower buds with pruning shears. Cut down the coneflowers to soil level after they stop blooming and wither or after a frost.

Is Black Eyed Susan a perennial?

Rudbeckia (Black-Eyed Susan) - a genus of North American wildflowers known for their showy yellow coneflowers. Most species are perennial, but Rudbeckia. hirta and all the showy cultivars are biennial, growing only leaves and stems the first season and blooming the following year.

Can you grow Black Eyed Susan indoors?

This vine can be used in a large container with a small trellis, and can be grown as an indoor plant (although it will likely need to be trained and pruned to keep it at a manageable size). Plants in containers will bloom over winter if kept in a sunny place and night temperatures are above 60 degrees.

What perennials should not be cut back in the fall?

Don't cut back marginally hardy perennials like garden mums (Chrysanthemum spp.), anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum), red-hot poker (Kniphofia uvaria), and Montauk daisy (Nipponanthemum nipponicum).

Do coneflowers spread?

Coneflowers spread in clumps up to 2 ft. in diameter. This plant mass looks like one plant and must be divided every three to four years. If the clumping plants are not divided, the overcrowded roots do not reach the soil for enough nutrition and the plant declines.

Is Black Eyed Susan deer resistant?

Named for their dark brown centers peeking out of the gold or bronze petals, black-eyed susans thrive in the sun. Because its covered in course hair, deer and rabbits stay far away from it. These daisy-like blooms are perfect for a late summer or fall bouquet.

What do Black-Eyed Susans attract?

Black-eyed Susan is an easy-to-grow North American wildflower that's excellent for attracting butterflies, bees, and other pollinating insects. A late-summer bloomer, black-eyed Susan is invaluable for adding lots of bright color to late-summer and autumn gardens. It's also a wonderful cut flower.

How deep are Black-Eyed Susan roots?

Take note that these flowers don't do well in containers. A thriving root system typically reaches depths of six feet or more, and they are far happier when in the ground than in almost any container. Tolerant of many soil types as well, the only time the poor land daisy might suffer is in very poor soil.

Do Black-Eyed Susan attract butterflies?

Butterflies are especially attracted to black-eyed susans and other coneflowers because the flowers provide a sturdy platform where the butterfly can land. There are times when almost every black-eyed susan in my garden has at least one butterfly on it. Native bees also commonly visit black-eyed susans.

Do birds like black eyed Susans?

American Goldfinches are big fans of black-eyed Susan seeds and will adorn your garden with their own gold and black colors as they perch on the stalks picking out the tiny dark seeds. Other birds that are attracted to black-eyed Susan seeds include chickadees, Cardinals, White-breasted Nuthatches, and sparrows.

What flower is a symbol of healing?

Chamomile Flower for Healing

These sweet-scented flowers are well-known for their relaxation and calming effects symbolize healing properties.

Do hummingbirds like Black Eyed Susans?

The vines grow well on fences, arbors and in hanging baskets located in full sun, although they will tolerate light shade. Black-eyed Susans flower profusely with orange, white, salmon and yellow blooms that are attractive to hummingbirds and will draw them to your garden.