Plant Calculator
Enter the approximate length and width of the area you will be planting and click 'Calculate' to determine how many Rudbeckia hirta you will need.
Correct and successful spacing is complex and depends on project conditions. We encourage you to call us at 877-ECO-PLUG for project specific recommendations and further assistance.
Rudbeckia hirta
black-eyed Susan
- Category: Perennial, Native
- Hardiness Zone: 3-9
- Height: 1-3 ft
- Spread: 1-2 ft
- Spacing: 10-12 in
- Bloom Color: Yellow
Golden, daisy-like flowers brighten the garden from early summer into fall, each bloom featuring vibrant yellow petals surrounding a bold, dark brown center cone. Held on sturdy upright stems, the cheerful flowers create a striking contrast against the plant’s rough green foliage. Long-lasting and highly visible, the blooms attract a steady stream of bees, butterflies, and other pollinators while bringing classic meadow color to sunny plantings.
Additional Information about Rudbeckia hirta
Rudbeckia hirta is a widespread North American wildflower commonly known as black-eyed Susan. It naturally occurs in prairies, open woods, meadows, and disturbed areas such as roadsides and fields, where it thrives in sunny conditions and well-drained soils. Plants typically grow in upright clumps 1-3 feet tall, producing sturdy, bristly stems and coarse, lance-shaped leaves that are covered in short hairs, giving the foliage a rough texture. Rudbeckia hirta is often a short-lived perennial or biennial, frequently establishing quickly in naturalized plantings and meadow gardens.
From early summer into fall, the plant produces showy, daisy-like flowers measuring about 2-3 inches across. Each bloom features bright golden to orange-yellow rays surrounding a raised, dark brown central cone composed of numerous disk florets. The long-lasting flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, while the dried seed heads later provide food for birds. Adaptable and resilient, this species tolerates heat, drought, and a wide range of soils, making it a dependable choice for meadows, borders, and naturalistic plantings.
Growing & Maintenance Tips for Rudbeckia hirta
Easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. Best in moist, organically rich soils. Tolerates heat, drought and a wide range of soils except poorly-drained wet ones.