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Black-eyed Susan
Rudbeckia hirta · Asteraceae
📷 Acabashi · CC BY-SA 4.0
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant black-eyed susan: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Blooming
- June to October
- Adult size
- 24 to 35 inches tall
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (-4°F)
- Origin
- North America
- Soil type
- Well-drained, tolerant
Care
Sunlight
Hairy Rudbeckia requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for abundant blooming. It tolerates partial shade but flowers less prolifically. Place it in an open location to promote air circulation and reduce disease risk.
Watering
Water regularly when planting and during growth, then space out watering once established. The plant tolerates relative summer drought well. Avoid excessive water which could cause root rot, especially in winter.
Soil
Rudbeckia adapts to most soils as long as they drain well. It prefers neutral to slightly acidic substrate, with no particular fertility requirements. Overly rich soil promotes foliage at the expense of flowering.
Fertilizing
A modest fertilizer application early in the season is sufficient. Avoid excess nitrogen which lengthens stems without enhancing flowering. A balanced or phosphorus-light fertilizer in spring is recommended.
Pruning and cutting
Pinch young plants to encourage dense, bushy branching. Remove faded flowers regularly to extend blooming. In late autumn, cut stems to ground level after the first frost.
Diseases and pests
Hairy Rudbeckia is robust and rarely troubled by problems. Watch for powdery mildew in case of excessive humidity and poor air circulation. Slugs can damage young plants; apply preventive measures in spring.
Did you know?
Hairy Rudbeckia gets its common name from its leaves and stems covered with fine hairs ('hirta' means hairy in Latin). Native to North American prairies, it has naturalized in Europe where it became a staple of cottage gardens, symbolizing the rustic elegance of wildflowers.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.