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Rudbeckia hirta 'Indian Summer' (Indian Summer Black-Eyed Susan)
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Perennials

Rudbeckia hirta 'Indian Summer'

Indian Summer Black-Eyed Susan

Asteraceae
Garden selection; species native to North America; AAS Winner 1995

At a Glance

TypeShort-lived perennial / Biennial
HabitUpright
FoliageDeciduous
Height30-36 inches (75-90 cm)
Width18-24 inches (45-60 cm)
Maturity1 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

3 - 10
Zone 3Zone 4Zone 5Zone 6Zone 7Zone 8Zone 9Zone 10
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
What's my zone? →
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts PollinatorsAttracts ButterfliesDeer ResistantDrought TolerantContainer Friendly
Native to North America
Maintenancelow

Overview

Rudbeckia hirta 'Indian Summer' is a large-flowered gloriosa daisy that produces some of the largest flowers in the R. hirta range, growing 30–36 inches (75–90 cm) tall and 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) wide. Rich golden-yellow single to semi-double daisy flowers reach 6–9 inches (15–23 cm) across — very large for a black-eyed Susan — with prominent dark brown-black central cones. The flower size approaches that of a sunflower on a much shorter, more compact plant. An All-America Selections (AAS) Winner in 1995, confirming consistent garden performance across a wide range of conditions. Like all R. hirta, the species is short-lived (1–2 years) and relies on self-sowing for persistence, but blooms heavily the first year from seed. The large, heavy flowers may benefit from staking in windy sites. Medium green rough hairy foliage. The large flowers are valued in cut-flower arrangements and bouquets. Deer avoid the hairy foliage.

Native Range

The species Rudbeckia hirta is native to North America. 'Indian Summer' is an AAS Winner 1995.

Suggested Uses

Used in cutting gardens, borders, and as an annual-style bedding option; the very large flowers create a strong visual anchor in mixed plantings. AAS Winner — proven performance across regions. The first-year bloom from seed allows annual-style use.

How to Identify

Identified by very large golden-yellow daisy flowers 6–9 inches (15–23 cm) across — among the largest-flowered R. hirta selections. The flower size is the defining trait. Single to semi-double form. Dark central cones. Hairy stems and leaves confirm R. hirta.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height2'6" - 3'
Width/Spread1'6" - 2'

Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow
gold

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

brown

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~10 weeks
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SummerFall
Flowering from July through October, approximately 10+ weeks. Very large golden daisies. First-year bloom from seed.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Rich golden-yellow, very large, with a dark brown-black central cone

Foliage Description

Medium green, ovate, rough-textured, hairy

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Requires 6-10 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 Range6.0 - 7.5(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamsand
Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

1 year

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Sow or set in full sun. Well-drained, average soil. Deadheading promotes continuous bloom; allowing late-season seed lets the colony self-sow. Short-lived — 1–2 years. Staking in windy sites helps support the large heavy flowers.

Pruning

Spent flowers can be deadheaded. Late-season seed can be allowed to mature. Dead plants can be removed after frost.

Pruning Schedule

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fall

Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 5 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic