Black-eyed Susan
rudbeckia hirta
Also known as: ["Brown-eyed Susan","Glory-of-the-Sun"]
Overview
A vibrant, daisy-like perennial wildflower native to North America, known for its bright yellow petals and dark brown central cone.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","low maintenance"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Rudbeckia |
| Botanical Name: | Rudbeckia hirta |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden beds, borders, or containers in full sun
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if grown in very dry indoor conditions
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining loamy soil with organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Deadhead regularly during blooming; cut back once in fall.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning during flowering.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day); tolerates partial shade but blooms less.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sun; protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent mildew.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate pots for even light, use shade cloth in extreme heat, avoid direct sun on leaves.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in dormant periods
Water at the base to avoid foliage wetting; ensure soil dries between waterings; adjust based on weather and growth stage.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with moderate organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0).
Ensure soil is loose and crumbly, avoid heavy clay, amend with organic matter.
Temperature
Prefers 65–85°F (18–29°C); tolerates cooler nights but struggles above 90°F (32°C).
Use shade cloth in summer, protect from frost, ensure good air flow.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
Fertilize sparingly to avoid lush foliage over blooms; stop fertilizing in late summer to prepare for dormancy.
Propagation
Methods
Seed propagation is easiest; stem cuttings can also be used.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Sow seeds shallowly or take 4–6 inch cuttings, remove lower leaves, plant in medium, keep moist.
Best Time: Spring or early summer for seeds; late spring for cuttings.
Environment
Warm (70–75°F), high humidity, and bright indirect light.
Medium
Seed starting mix or well-draining soil for cuttings.
Hormone
Not necessary for seeds; optional for cuttings to speed rooting.
Timeline
Seeds germinate in 7–14 days; cuttings root in 2–4 weeks.
Tools Needed
Seed trays, pruners, rooting hormone (optional), misting bottle.
Quick Tips
Sow seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost; use bottom heat for faster germination.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip spent blooms just above a leaf node; cut back stems to 6 inches in fall.
Pruning Plan
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage reblooming; cut back in fall to tidy up.
Tools
Hand pruners, scissors.
Checklist
Remove dead blooms, cut cleanly, sanitize tools, dispose of debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot with drainage holes.
Method
Gently remove plant, trim roots if crowded, use fresh well-draining soil, ensure good drainage.
Suggestions
Not typically needed for garden plants; container plants may need repotting every 2–3 years.
Checklist
Choose new pot, prepare soil, handle roots gently, water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, adjust seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, ensuring root zone saturation; avoid overhead watering to minimize disease risk; water early in the day to reduce evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot; increase during hot, dry periods.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or aged manure for fertility; mix perlite or sand for drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf scorch, stunted growth, or bud drop in extreme heat; slow growth or yellowing in cold.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf discoloration, and reduces flowering; frost can damage or kill plants.
Solution: Mulch to insulate roots; move potted plants indoors; cover outdoor plants during frost.
Hot Stress
Leaves wilt, flowers fade quickly, and growth may halt; increased susceptibility to pests.
Solution: Provide shade during peak sun, increase watering, use mulch to retain moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer, dilute properly, apply during active growth, stop before dormancy.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season; avoid high nitrogen fertilizers.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicRudbeckia hirta is not considered toxic to cats. The plant has not been associated with adverse effects in felines.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicRudbeckia hirta is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of toxicity in canines from exposure to this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Humans
Non-toxicRudbeckia hirta, commonly known as Black-eyed Susan, is not considered toxic to humans. It is widely used in gardens and landscapes without reported adverse effects from casual contact or ingestion.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I propagate Rudbeckia hirta?
A: Propagate by seed in early spring or by division in early autumn.
Q: Does Rudbeckia hirta attract pollinators?
A: Yes, it is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Q: What are the ideal growing conditions for Rudbeckia hirta?
A: It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, though it can tolerate partial shade and some drought.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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