How to Grow 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.

Do Black Eyed Susans come back every year?
Are Black Eyed Susans hard to grow?
Does Black Eyed Susan Self seed?
How long does it take for Black Eyed Susans to grow?
Should you deadhead Black Eyed Susans?
Are Black Eyed Susans poisonous to dogs?
How do you winterize Black Eyed Susans?
What grows well with Black Eyed Susans?
Do Black Eyed Susans attract bees?
What eats a black eyed Susan?
Do Black Eyed Susan attract butterflies?
What kills Black Eyed Susans?

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.

Are Black Eyed Susans hard to grow?

Black eyed susans are so easy to grow and light up the garden with bright yellow flowers that fairly glow when many other flowers are fading away. Black Eyed Susans (Rudbeckia) come in many shapes, sizes and colors and now I have learned they have even crossed them with Echinacea for a variety called Echibeckia.

Does Black Eyed Susan Self seed?

If you don't cut down the seed heads, annual black-eyed Susans will reseed themselves and pop up in delightfully unexpected spots next year. Depending on the variety, perennial black-eyed Susans will thrive in USDA growing zones 3 to 9 (with most cultivars happiest in zones 4 to 7).

How long does it take for Black Eyed Susans to grow?

In many parts of North America, the planting period is March to May. The flower will flower June to September. Germination takes 7 to 30 days. Plant seeds in moist, well-drained soil.

Should you deadhead Black Eyed Susans?

Black-eyed Susans will bloom longer if you deadhead them, which means cutting off spent, faded, or dried up flowers once they're past their prime. ... Once blooming slows down, though, be sure to leave some flowers to produce seed for birds to eat and to grow into new plants next season.

Are Black Eyed Susans poisonous 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.

How do you winterize Black Eyed Susans?

Cut back the stalks of perennial black-eyed susans in the late autumn after the plant has wilted to the ground if you prefer a cleaner flowerbed over the winter. Cut the stalks so that 4 inches of stalks extend out from the bottom-most basal leaves of the plants.

What grows well with Black Eyed Susans?

Companion plants for this garden favorite are almost too many to list, but a few ready and reliable choices include zinnias, globe thistle, sedum, perennial hibiscus, echinacea, joe-pye weed, and ornamental grasses. The yellow and golden colors look nice near shrubs with darker foliage, like smokebush and elderberry.

Do Black Eyed Susans attract bees?

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.

What eats a black eyed Susan?

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.

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.

What kills Black Eyed Susans?

Black-eyed Susans Removal

To remove the black-eyed Susans from your garden, you have to be vigilant. At the end of the growing season, cut the black-eyed Susans down to ground level using some garden shears, and then use a shovel to dig them out.