If you're looking to bring cheerful, long-lasting colour to your garden this summer, look no further than the Black-Eyed Susan. Known for their daisy-like golden-yellow petals and dark brown centres, these sun-loving stunners are a favourite among gardeners – and it’s easy to see why.
Let’s dive into why Black-Eyed Susans are a must-have and how to get the best out of them in your garden.
What is a Black-Eyed Susan?
Black-Eyed Susan is the common name for Rudbeckia hirta, a North American native that's widely loved in UK gardens for its vibrant, sunshine-yellow blooms and easy-going nature. You’ll find them in beds, borders, and containers – and they look just as stunning planted en masse as they do dotted among other summer perennials.
Why We Love Them
-
Long flowering season – from mid-summer right into autumn.
-
Attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.
-
Low maintenance once established.
-
Adds vibrant, warm tones to any garden.
-
Great for cut flowers in indoor arrangements.
How to Grow & Care for Black-Eyed Susan
Location:
Choose a sunny spot – they love full sun and will thrive with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Soil:
Well-drained soil is essential. They’ll tolerate poor soil, but soggy conditions are a no-no.
Watering:
Water regularly when newly planted. Once established, they’re drought-tolerant and need only occasional watering – perfect for hot, dry spells.
Deadheading:
To keep those blooms coming, regularly deadhead spent flowers. This encourages the plant to keep flowering well into autumn.
Hardy or Not?
Most varieties are hardy in the UK, especially the perennial types like Rudbeckia fulgida 'Goldsturm'. Some, like Rudbeckia hirta, are grown as annuals or short-lived perennials – so check your variety.
Great Companions in the Garden
Black-Eyed Susans pair beautifully with:
-
Echinacea (Coneflower) – for a prairie-style look.
-
Lavender – for fragrance and contrast.
-
Salvia – to bring in even more pollinators.
-
Grasses – like Miscanthus or Pennisetum for texture.
-
Sedum – for later-season interest.
Loved by Wildlife
These golden blooms are a magnet for bees, hoverflies, and butterflies, making them a fantastic choice for wildlife-friendly gardens. Plus, in late summer and autumn, birds like finches will feast on their seed heads – so don’t rush to tidy them up too quickly!
Perfect for Pots Too
Shorter varieties like Rudbeckia ‘Toto’ or ‘Little Goldstar’ are great for containers. Just make sure pots have good drainage and don’t dry out too quickly in the heat.
In Summary
Whether you’re filling gaps in your borders, looking for pollinator-friendly plants, or simply want a burst of bright, cheerful colour that lasts all summer long – Black-Eyed Susans are a brilliant choice.
You’ll find a great selection here at Silica Lodge Garden Centre – from compact varieties for pots to bold border-fillers. Come and browse our current range and get expert planting advice from our friendly team.