What are the sun requirements for Rudbeckia hirta?

Rudbeckia hirta requires Full Sun.

How much water does Rudbeckia hirta need?

Rudbeckia hirta has Low water needs.

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Perennials

Rudbeckia hirta

large black-eyed Susan

Asteraceae

North America east of the Rocky Mountains, from southern Canada to northern Mexico

At a Glance

TypeBiennial

HabitUpright

FoliageDeciduous

Height12-36 inches (30-90 cm)

Width12-18 inches (30-45 cm)

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators

Attracts Butterflies

Deer Resistant

Drought Tolerant

Container Friendly

Native to North America

Maintenancevery low

Overview

An upright, branching short-lived perennial or biennial in the family Asteraceae, native to open prairies, meadows, roadsides, and disturbed ground throughout most of North America east of the Rocky Mountains. Widely grown as an annual or biennial in cultivation. Plants form a basal rosette of ovate to lance-shaped, coarsely toothed leaves 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) long, densely covered in stiff, rough hairs — the source of the epithet hirta (Latin: hairy). Branching flowering stems 12–36 inches (30–90 cm) tall bear solitary, daisy-like flower heads 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) across on long, hairy peduncles from June through October: 8–20 bright golden-yellow ray florets surround a prominent, dome-shaped brown-purple to nearly black central disc. Modern cultivars include single and double forms in yellow, orange, bronze, mahogany, and bicolors ('Indian Summer', 'Cherry Brandy', 'Cappuccino', 'Toto' dwarf series). Self-seeds freely and naturalizes readily in suitable habitats. Non-toxic.

Native Range

Native across most of North America east of the Rocky Mountains, from southern Canada through the eastern and central United States to northern Mexico, growing in open prairies, meadows, roadsides, and disturbed ground in full sun in well-drained to average soil.

Suggested Uses

Planted in meadow gardens, cottage gardens, cutting gardens, and naturalized areas at 12–18 inch (30–45 cm) spacing. One of the easiest annual/biennial composites for cut flowers — long stems and long vase life. Outstanding naturalized in wildflower meadows and prairie-style plantings where it self-seeds reliably. Attracts butterflies and pollinators abundantly; seed heads support goldfinches in fall.

How to Identify

Identified by its distinctive dark brown to nearly black dome-shaped central disc surrounded by bright golden-yellow ray florets that often droop slightly, on solitary flower heads 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) across. Stems and leaves are covered in coarse, stiff hairs throughout — a distinctive rough texture when touched. Leaves are alternate, lance-shaped to ovate, typically entire or with sparse teeth. The rough-hairy texture, prominent dark central dome, and solitary flower heads on long stems distinguish it from the perennial Rudbeckia fulgida, which is smoother and more compact-clumping.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1' - 3'

Width/Spread1' - 1'6"

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow

gold

orange

brown

black

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~20 weeks

SummerFall

Blooms June through October in most zones — 4–5 months from well-started transplants. In the Pacific Northwest, blooms reliably from late June through October. Modern F1 hybrids ('Indian Summer', 'Toto') begin flowering in 70–80 days from transplant. Self-seeded plants bloom reliably in their second year. The extended season and tolerance for cool Pacific Northwest summers make this one of the most dependable annual/biennial composites for the region.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

bright golden-yellow ray florets surrounding dome-shaped brown-purple to nearly black central disc; 2–4 inches across

Foliage Description

medium green; ovate to lance-shaped, coarsely toothed, densely rough-hairy throughout

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

Requires 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loamsandclay

Drainage

well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in full sun in average to poor, well-drained soil with a pH of 5.5–7.0. Tolerates drought, poor soil, and heat once established. Start seed indoors 8–10 weeks before last frost, or direct-sow outdoors after last frost. Deadhead regularly to prolong bloom and prevent excessive self-seeding; allow a few heads to mature for self-seeding or bird forage. No staking needed for compact cultivars; taller heirlooms may need support in windy sites.

Pruning

Deadhead spent flower heads regularly by cutting to a lateral bud or leaf node to maintain continuous bloom and control self-seeding. Allow some seed heads to mature for self-seeding colonies or goldfinch forage. For biennial use, allow plants to self-seed in late summer and remove parent plants after seed dispersal. For annual use, compost plants after frost.

Pruning Schedule

summerfall

Maintenance Level

very low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 3 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic

Planting Guide

Planting Methods & Timing

Planting Method

both

Indoor Start

9 weeks before last frost

Direct Sow Timing

Direct sow after last frost; or start indoors 8–10 weeks before last frost for early bloom

Days to Maturity

70–100 days

Plant Spacing

15 inches