Rudbeckia hirta

Rudbeckia hirta — the black-eyed Susan

Rudbeckia hirta is the botanical name for the black-eyed Susan, a brilliant, easy-going North American daisy with golden-yellow petals radiating from a domed, near-black central cone. It is the species behind our rudbeckia range within the flower seed collection.

History & origin

Native to the prairies and meadows of North America, where it flowers freely on disturbed and open ground, the black-eyed Susan became a beloved garden plant for its sunny colour, long season and effortless nature, and remains a cornerstone of prairie- and meadow-style planting today.

The genus Rudbeckia was named by Linnaeus in honour of the Swedish botanists Olof Rudbeck, father and son, while the species epithet hirta means hairy or rough, describing the bristly stems and leaves.

Botanical characteristics

Usually grown as a fast annual or short-lived perennial, it forms upright, branching plants topped with large, daisy-like flowers over a remarkably long midsummer-to-autumn season. The nectar-rich blooms draw bees and butterflies, placing it firmly among our pollinator flowers, while the long, strong stems make it an outstanding cut flower, and the seed heads feed birds.

Growing Rudbeckia hirta from seed

Sow in warmth in early spring, barely covering the seed, or direct once the soil warms. Grow on and plant into full sun in any reasonable, moist but well-drained soil; deadhead to extend an already long display that runs until the frosts. Our flower growing guide and flower sowing calendar cover the timing.

Ready to grow black-eyed Susans? Browse the varieties or learn the basics first.

Related categories: Rudbeckia · Cut Flowers · Pollinator Flowers · Perennial Flowers · All Flower Seeds

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