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 take care of Black-Eyed Susans?
Should I cut back black-eyed Susans?
How often should I water Black-Eyed Susans?
Do Black-Eyed Susans come back every year?
Do Black Eyed Susans spread?
Are Black Eyed Susans invasive?
Are Black Eyed Susans poisonous to dogs?
Can Black Eyed Susans survive the winter?
Can you over water Black Eyed Susans?
What grows well with Black Eyed Susans?
Can you grow Black Eyed Susans in pots?

How do you take care of 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 I cut back black-eyed Susans?

Cutting back the black-eyed Susans can reward you with blooms throughout the growing season. Trim back the flower stems in summer after the blossoms begin to wilt. Cut the stems off ¼ inch above the topmost leaf. Plants that are cut back may flower a second time in the fall.

How often should I water Black-Eyed Susans?

PLANT HEIGHT AND WIDTH These grow about 24 to 30 inches tall and 18 to 24 inches wide. WATER Water upon planting and once a week in the summer. They require less than average water needs and become drought tolerant after established.

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.

Do Black Eyed Susans spread?

Plant seeds in moist, well-drained soil. ... Black-eyed Susans generally grow between 1 and 3 feet tall (though they can grow taller) and can spread between 12 to 18 inches, so plant seeds closer to prevent lots of spreading or plant further apart to make a nice border.

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. These plants are generally not attractive to deer.

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.

Can Black Eyed Susans survive the winter?

While the annual varieties die when winter arrives, the plants flower profusely through the summer. Deadhead the blossoms when they begin to fade to encourage a second fall blooming. Use sterilized pruners and dip the cutting tools into rubbing alcohol or a household cleaner such as Pine-Sol or Lysol between cuts.

Can you over water Black Eyed Susans?

Black Eyed Susans are fairly drought-tolerant, but you'll still want to water the base of the plant weekly, or more frequently if they look dry or stressed. The soil shouldn't be completely dry. At the same time, be careful not to overwater. ... This can help prolong the plant's blooming time.

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.

Can you grow Black Eyed Susans in pots?

Container gardening black-eyed Susans isn't ideal. They produce deep roots and thrive in natural soil. However, a wide-mouthed, deep container can be configured with the right soil to give the flower a semblance of its natural environment, with plenty of organic matter and enough depth so the roots don't soak.