Deam's Black Eyed Susan

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 stem the first season and blooming the following year.

Preferred growing conditions

• Plant in most soil types including clay. Rudbeckia prefers to be planted in full to partial-sun locations.
• Mulch with common mulching materials except for moist climates where plants should remain un-mulched.
• Irrigate regularly during the first growing season to establish the plants. Black Eyed Susan likes dry to moderately moist soil conditions and should be given weekly supplemental irrigation in arid Western climates. Rainfall is generally sufficient in moister eastern climates.
• Deadheading will help to keep the plants blooming longer into the late summer. But leave the last flush of flowers on the plants to set seeds
• Fertilize lightly in the fall with a half-and-half blend of Yum Yum Mix and good-quality compost.

Special comments

• Seeds are enjoyed by seed-eating songbirds. Plants with seed heads should be left standing over the winter months. Cut back hard in early to mid-spring. Biennial Rudbeckia hirta should be selectively cut back to remove dead foliage in mid-spring to prepare the plants for flowering later in summer.
• Rudbeckia generally doesn't need to be divided.