Rudbeckia hirta ‘Indian Summer’ (Black-Eyed Susan)

Adding bold, stunning color to the garden, award-winning Rudbeckia hirta ‘Indian Summer’ (Black-Eyed Susan) is a biennial boasting stunning, extra-large daisy-like flowers, up to 6-9 in. wide (15-22 cm) – one of the largest blooms among Rudbeckia. The semi-double and single flowers are adorned with bright, golden-yellow rays surrounding a dark chocolate center disk. Blooming profusely from early summer to frost, it provides weeks of eye-catching color. The flowers are produced in such quantities that they almost cover the lovely foliage of mahogany leaves. An outstanding cut flower, its seed heads have good winter interest unless they are used in dried arrangements.

• Recipient of the All-America Selections award in 1995 as well as the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society in 2000
• Grows in upright clumps up to 3-4 ft. tall (90-120 cm) and 12-18 in. wide (30-45 cm). May self-seed and remain in the garden.
• Thrives in full sun in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Drought tolerant once established.
• Ridiculously easy to grow and largely trouble-free, this rudbeckia is a great candidate for mixed borders, cutting gardens, or as an accent plant when planted in mass.
• Deer-resistant, the flowers are attractive to pollinating insects, butterflies, and birds.
• Remove and discard spent flowers to encourage extended blooming and prevent unwanted seedlings next season.
• Easily propagated by seed.
• Rudbeckia hirta is native to Eastern and Central North America.