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Rudbeckia /rʌdˈbɛkiə/

Common name: Black-eyed Susan · Coneflower

Rudbeckia is a genus of flowering plants in the aster family, native to North America. Best known for the black-eyed Susan, these plants produce cheerful yellow or orange daisy-like flowers with dark central cones from summer into autumn. They are tough, easy-care perennials and annuals that attract bees and butterflies.

Fun facts

  • The black-eyed Susan is the state flower of Maryland.
  • The genus is named after Swedish botanist Olof Rudbeck, a mentor of Linnaeus.
  • Black-eyed Susans readily self-seed, naturalizing into cheerful drifts.
  • The flowers are excellent for cutting and can last over a week in a vase.

Care summary

Sun Full sun
Water Moderate; fairly drought tolerant once established
Soil Well-drained; adaptable to most soils
Hardiness Zones 3–9
Mature height 0.3–1 m (1–3 ft)
Pet safe Generally considered non-toxic

Common problems

    • Space plants for open air flow
    • Water at the base, not overhead
    • Remove badly infected foliage promptly
    • Remove and bin spotted leaves
    • Avoid wetting leaves when watering
    • Rotate planting spots each year
    • Spray colonies off with water
    • Dab heavy clusters with soapy water
    • Welcome hoverflies and ladybirds
    • Grow in lean, well-drained soil
    • Stake tall clumps early in season
    • Cut back by half in early summer