Rudbeckia fulgida (Black-Eyed Susan)

Black-Eyed Susan, Showy Black-Eyed Susan, Orange Coneflower, Newman's Coneflower, Deam's Coneflower

What is Rudbeckia fulgida?

Rudbeckia fulgida, commonly known as Orange Coneflower or Black-eyed Susan, is a native perennial plant of the Eastern United States. It belongs to the Asteraceae family and is renowned for its showy, long-lasting golden-yellow flowers

Habit and Size: The plant forms clumps of stiff, leafy stems, each ending in a daisy-like flower head. It typically stands about 2-4 feet (60-120 cm) tall and spreads about 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) wide and tends to form colonies in the wild.
Flowers: The flowers, measuring 2-3 inches (5-7 cm) in diameter, are characterized by their vibrant orange-yellow rays and dark brownish-black central cones, hence the name Black-eyed Susan.
Blooming Season: The plant blooms profusely from mid-summer through early fall, and sometimes even until frost.
Foliage: The foliage of Rudbeckia fulgida consists of oblong to lanceolate dark green leaves. The lower leaves are larger and have short petioles, while the upper ones are smaller and sessile.
Hardiness: Hardy in USDA zones 3-9, Rudbeckia fulgida prefers full sun and can tolerate a range of soil conditions, from moist, well-drained soil to clay or dry soil. It’s a fairly drought-tolerant plant once established.
Uses: Spectacular when massed in drifts, Black-eyed Susan is an excellent choice for perennial borders and cottage gardens and is a vital element in native plantings, prairie, and meadow gardens. It is often used in mass planting for its bright splash of color and long blooming season. The plant’s showy flowers also make excellent cut flowers.
Wildlife: The vibrant flowers attract butterflies and other pollinators. Birds, particularly goldfinches, enjoy its seeds.
Deer and Rabbit: Deer and rabbits tend to avoid Rudbeckia fulgida, making it a good choice for areas where these animals roam.

Why Should I Grow Rudbeckia fulgida?

Growing Rudbeckia fulgida can be highly beneficial and rewarding for various reasons:

Easy to Care: This plant is low-maintenance, hardy, and adaptable, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced gardeners. It’s resistant to most pests and diseases and can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including clay or dry soils.
Long Blooming Period: Rudbeckia fulgida offers an extended bloom period, from midsummer through fall, sometimes until the first frost, providing your garden with a splash of vibrant color for a substantial portion of the year.
Attracts Pollinators: The bright, showy flowers of this plant are a magnet for butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects. This makes it a great addition to pollinator gardens or any garden aimed at promoting local biodiversity.
Wildlife-friendly: Beyond attracting pollinators, the seeds of Rudbeckia fulgida also attract various birds, especially goldfinches, adding another level of wildlife interaction to your garden.
Deer and Rabbit Resistant: Although it’s wildlife-friendly, deer and rabbits typically avoid this plant, making it a smart choice for areas where these animals are common.
Versatile Use: Whether in borders, beds, containers, mass plantings, or naturalistic and meadow-style gardens, Rudbeckia fulgida adds a unique aesthetic value with its bright flowers and sturdy habit.
Cut Flowers: The flowers, with their long stems and long-lasting nature, make excellent cut flowers for bouquets or vases, allowing you to bring a bit of your garden’s beauty indoors.
Drought-tolerant: Once established, Rudbeckia fulgida shows a good level of drought tolerance, making it a suitable choice for gardens in drier climates or water-wise landscapes.

Guide Information

Hardiness	3 - 9
Heat Zones	1 - 9
Climate Zones	1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type	Perennials
Genus	Rudbeckia
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest	Summer (Mid, Late) Fall
Height	2' - 4' (60cm - 120cm)
Spread	1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Maintenance	Low
Water Needs	Average
Soil Type	Chalk, Clay, Loam
Soil pH	Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage	Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics	Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Showy
Native Plants	Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Midwest, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Northeast, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Southeast, Southwest, Tennessee, Texas, United States, West Virginia, Wisconsin
Tolerance	Drought, Deer, Rabbit, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil, Clay Soil
Attracts	Birds, Butterflies, Bees
Landscaping Ideas	Beds And Borders
Garden Styles	Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow

Top Rubeckia fulgida Cultivars

Hardiness	3 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest	Summer (Mid, Late) Fall
Height	2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spread	1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)

Garden Design with Rudbeckia fulgida

Rudbeckia fulgida, with its vibrant orange-yellow flowers and deep green foliage, makes a striking statement in any garden. Here are some ideas for designing a garden with this plant:

Borders and Mass Plantings: With their robust growth and bright, long-lasting flowers, Rudbeckia fulgida makes a great plant for borders and mass plantings. They create a striking display when planted in large groups or clusters.
Cottage and Wildlife Gardens: This plant is perfect for a cottage garden design, where its casual, free-flowing nature can be fully appreciated. As they attract butterflies, birds, and beneficial insects, they’re also an excellent addition to a wildlife garden.
Seasonal Interest: Plant with spring and early summer blooming plants to ensure your garden has visual interest throughout the year. After these early bloomers fade, the Rudbeckia will take center stage.
Plant at Varying Heights: Use the height of Rudbeckia fulgida to your advantage by planting shorter flowers in front, and taller plants or ornamental grasses behind. This creates depth and visual interest in your garden.
Container Planting: If space is an issue, don’t worry – Rudbeckia fulgida grows well in containers, too. Pair it with trailing plants for a mixed container with lots of visual appeal.
Contrast with Dark Foliage: The bright flowers of Rudbeckia fulgida contrast beautifully with plants that have dark or bronze-colored foliage, such as Heuchera or some varieties of ornamental grasses.

Companion Plants

Rudbeckia fulgida pairs well with a wide range of companion plants due to its vibrant orange-yellow blooms and attractive foliage. Here are some ideal companions:

Echinacea (Coneflower): Echinacea species add more color diversity and share similar cultural needs.
Grasses: Ornamental grasses such as Panicum virgatum (Switchgrass) or Calamagrostis x acutiflora (Feather Reed Grass) can provide a beautiful contrast in texture and form.
Asters: Late-blooming perennials like asters can complement the timing and color of Rudbeckia.
Salvia: The blue or purple flowers of salvia species can provide a striking contrast to the yellow flowers of Rudbeckia fulgida.
Sedum: The deep pink flowers of this succulent plant offer a nice contrast and the two plants peak around the same time.
Solidago (Goldenrod): Goldenrod’s fluffy, yellow flower spikes can enhance the yellow theme in the late summer and autumn garden.
Phlox paniculata: Garden phlox can add height and a variety of color options, while also attracting beneficial pollinators.
Perovskia atriplicifolia (Russian Sage): The silvery foliage and lavender flowers contrast beautifully with Rudbeckia.
Helenium (Sneezeweed): The reds and oranges in various Helenium cultivars can add depth to the planting combination.
Liatris spicata (Blazing Star): With its spikes of purple flowers, Blazing Star adds vertical interest and a color counterpoint.

Remember, the best companions for your Rudbeckia fulgida will depend on your specific garden conditions including sunlight, soil type, and local climate. Always choose plants with similar care requirements for the best results.

Companion Plants for Rudbeckia fulgida

Growing Tips

Rudbeckia fulgida is relatively easy to grow, making it a popular choice for many gardeners. Here are some tips on how to grow it:

Soil: Rudbeckia fulgida prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate a range of soil types, including clay, sandy, and loamy soils. However, it thrives best in moderately fertile soil.
Sunlight: This plant thrives in full sun but can tolerate light shade. Ensure it gets at least six hours of sunlight each day for best blooming results.
Watering: While Rudbeckia fulgida is drought-tolerant once established, it prefers regular watering, especially during dry periods. Water the plant deeply once a week, but ensure the soil dries out between watering to prevent waterlogging and root rot.
Fertilizing: Rudbeckia fulgida typically does not require much fertilization. If your soil is poor, you might consider applying a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring to promote healthy growth.
Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to retain soil moisture and prevent weed growth.
Deadheading: Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, can encourage the plant to produce more blooms. However, leaving some spent flowers can provide seeds for birds.
Dividing: Rudbeckia fulgida can spread quickly. To control its growth and prevent overcrowding, divide the plant every 3-4 years in early spring or fall.
Pest and Disease Control: Generally, Rudbeckia fulgida is resistant to most pests and diseases. Keep an eye out for common issues like powdery mildew, leaf spots, or pests like aphids and slugs.
Winter Care: In colder climates, consider cutting the plant back to the ground in late fall after the first frost and covering it with a thick layer of mulch to protect it from winter temperatures.

By following these guidelines, you can enjoy the bright, cheery blooms of Rudbeckia fulgida in your garden from mid-summer to fall.

Garden Examples

Botanik Foto

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.