Rudbeckia hirta
black-eyed Susan
A biennial or short-lived perennial often grown as an annual, with oval to diamond-shaped basal leaves that are bristly and sometimes toothed. Daisy-like flowerheads are produced on leafy, upright stems from summer to autumn, with prominent dark brown central cones and spreading yellow petals
Other common names
brown Bettybrown daisy
see moreEnglish bull's eye
golden Jerusalem
hairy coneflower
marguerite jaune
poor man's daisy
wild golden glow
yellow daisy
bull daisy
Synonyms
Rudbeckia gloriosa
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Yellow | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Rudbeckia may be annuals, biennials or rhizomatous herbaceous perennials, with simple or pinnately divided leaves and large daisy-like flower-heads with yellow or orange rays surrounding a prominent conical disk
- Name status
Unresolved
How to grow
Cultivation
Best grown as a half-hardy annual. Grows well in moderately fertile, preferably heavy but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. See rudbeckia cultivation for more detailed advice
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown with gentle heat in spring. Light is needed for germination. Harden off before planting out
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Prairie planting
- Wildflower meadow
- Wildlife gardens
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Deadhead to remove spent flowers
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids, to leaf and bud eelworms, and to slugs on young growth
Diseases
May be susceptible to powdery mildews, especially on dry soils
Get involved
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