Black-Eyed Susan

About this plant

Rudbeckia hirta, commonly known as Black-Eyed Susan, is a quintessential American wildflower celebrated for its striking golden-yellow daisy-like flowers with distinctive dark brown centers. These cheerful blooms create a spectacular display from summer through fall, adding a burst of color to any landscape. Its rugged beauty and prolific flowering make it a staple in cottage gardens, wildflower meadows, and sunny borders. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the Black-Eyed Susan is a magnet for pollinators, attracting butterflies and bees to your garden. Its seeds also provide a valuable food source for birds, particularly finches, in the late season. This hardy and adaptable perennial is an excellent choice for gardeners seeking a low-maintenance yet high-impact plant. Thriving in full sun and a variety of soil conditions, Rudbeckia hirta is an exceptional choice for adding long-lasting color and ecological benefits to your outdoor space. Plant in masses for a breathtaking effect or incorporate into mixed perennial borders for continuous bloom.

Installation timing

When we're in season, outside of the winter months, our goal is to get your plants installed within about two weeks. That window gives us enough time to secure your plants from our supplier and find a spot on the schedule. Throughout the process we stay in touch through notifications and your existing client portal on the main A Cut Above website, which is separate from this landscaping plants shop.

Care & maintenance

Easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. Drought tolerant once established. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming and prevent self-seeding if desired. Can be divided in spring or fall if clumps become too crowded. Generally pest and disease free.

Watering suggestions

Proper watering is the single most important factor in your plant's survival after installation. Newly installed plants have a limited root system and rely on you for consistent moisture while they establish.

• First 2 weeks: Water deeply every day (or every other day in cooler, wet weather), soaking the root ball and surrounding soil.
• Weeks 3–12: Water deeply 2–3 times per week, adjusting for rain, heat, and soil drainage.
• After establishment: Water deeply about once a week during the growing season, and more often in extreme heat or drought.
• How to check: Stick a finger 2–3 inches into the soil near the roots — if it's dry, it's time to water. Deep, less-frequent watering encourages strong roots; shallow daily sprinkles do not.
• Avoid: Overwatering (soggy, waterlogged soil) is just as harmful as underwatering and can drown roots.

Watering needs vary by plant, season, soil, and exposure. Because proper watering is the customer's responsibility after installation, please make sure you understand and can follow these suggestions before ordering.

Good to know: plants and trees purchased from and installed by A Cut Above include a one-year limited warranty from the date of installation. Because plant survival depends heavily on proper watering and care after installation, losses caused by improper care, neglect, animal or chemical damage, or extreme weather are not covered, and we must be given the chance to inspect a struggling plant before it's removed or replaced. Coverage is one replacement per plant. Read our warranty info.