Black-Eyed Susan Rudbeckia, Brilliant Coneflower, Eastern Coneflower, Orange Coneflower

Rudbeckia fulgida

Black-Eyed Susan belongs to the Rudbeckia genus. Black-Eyed Susan is also known as Rudbeckia, Brilliant Coneflower, Eastern Coneflower, Orange Coneflower

65 plantings
8 for swap
3 wanted
16 stashed
12 to buy

84% complete! (84%)

The Black-Eyed Susan Plant Wiki

All details in our wiki have been kindly provided by our members.

Native to the Eastern United States and Canada. State flower of Maryland.

Spreads rapidly by self seeding or division.

Black-Eyed Susan belongs to the Rudbeckia genus.

How to grow and keep Black-Eyed Susan happy

Prefers full sun to light shade and well draining soil. Will bloom heavily even in dry conditions without additional water so a good plant for water conservation. Do not grow in rich soil or in poorly draining soil.

If needed mow (prune) in early spring (March).

USDA Zone Range Which zones does Black-Eyed Susan grow best in? 3 - 10 pH Range The level of acidity for Black-Eyed Susan. 5.6 - 7.5
Water Requirements How much water does Black-Eyed Susan require? Medium Nitrogen Requirements How much nitrogen fertilizer does Black-Eyed Susan need? ?
Soil The type of soil that Black-Eyed Susan needs. Combination Sun How much sunlight does Black-Eyed Susan need to grow? ?
Min. Air Temperature The lowest air temp to grow Black-Eyed Susan in. -40°C / -40°F Max. Air Temperature The highest air temp to grow Black-Eyed Susan in. ?

How to sow and germinate Black-Eyed Susan

Seeds need light to germinate, so don’t cover with soil. Instead, press down gently into the soil.

Can be direct sown outdoors in the autumn, winter in an unheated greenhouse/coldframe, or spring after last frost.

Germination is aided by cold, so they can be placed in a wet paper napkin in a ziploc bag, and place it in the fridge for 2-3 months.

How to transplant Black-Eyed Susan

Transplant in spring after danger of frost has passed.

How to harvest Black-Eyed Susan

Seed will mature about a month after flowering. Harvest after cone becomes loose and color turns dark gray. Then shake seeds from cone.

If harvesting flowers for vase cut with a sharp knife low on the stem leaving a few leaves. Place immediately in water. Flowers should last for about a week.

Companion plants for Black-Eyed Susan

These plants will grow well with Black-Eyed Susan:

“Black-eyed susan is usually found growing in mixed stands with many
different types of plants. Some suggested companion plants are: clasping coneflower,
lance-leaf coreopsis, butterfly milkweed, purple coneflower, gaillardia, and ox-eye daisy.Grasses will be a major component of most naturalized and roadbank plantings.”¹

Repellent plants for Black-Eyed Susan

These plants will not grow well with Black-Eyed Susan so avoid planting these within close proximity:

Common Black-Eyed Susan pests

These pests are known to attack Black-Eyed Susan plants:

Common Black-Eyed Susan diseases & problems

These problems and diseases are known to effect Black-Eyed Susan plants:

How long does Black-Eyed Susan take to grow?

These estimates for how long Black-Eyed Susan takes to sprout, grow and harvest are from real observations from real gardeners, right around the world. Start logging and journaling your observations to participate!