August Perennial of the Month-Black-eyed Susan

An Old English poem titled ‘Sweet William’s Farewell to Black-Eyed Susan’ is supposedly the origin of the common name for Rudbeckia fulgida. This Missouri native might have English roots, but she knows how to handle our harsh St. Louis summers and crazy winters.

Susan (We’re on a first-name basis) prefers full, blazing hot sun, but I’ve seen her do decent in part-shade. The long-lasting yellow flowers keep pumping from June to September and are great for pollinators and birds. 

Susan typically grows 2-3′ high and can form a dense mass. Once established is fairly drought resistant. She isn’t picky about soil as long as it isn’t too wet, in fact, I would almost call Susan, ‘A Perfect Date!’

Cultivars;

-‘Goldstrum’-Introduced in 1937 and still going strong today as one of the most popular perennials in cultivation. Grows in a tidy habit 2-3’ high. 

-‘Blovi’ VIETTE’S LITTLE SUZY-Only grows 1-1 ½’ high Disease resistant

What I love about this plant

-Can’t beat the long bloom time for a perennial.

-Intense yellow color if you crave bright, warm tones.

-Deer resistant.

-Good for pollinators and birds.

What’s not so great

-Prone to leaf spot and powdery mildew. Good air circulation is helpful, as is avoiding overhead watering. 

Words and photos by Jo Batzer

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