Black Eyed Susans Perennials: A Step-by-Step Guide to Growing Them

By Claire Whitaker

Updated November 2026

Black eyed susans perennials are one of the most reliable sources of summer color you can plant. This guide explains what these plants are, how to choose the right species, and how to plant, water, feed, and divide them so they return stronger every year. By the end, you will know how to get dependable blooms from a bed that lasts for years.

Black eyed susan perennials belong to the genus Rudbeckia, and most gardeners grow one of two main types: the native Rudbeckia hirta, which is often grown as a short-lived perennial or biennial, and the more long-lived Rudbeckia fulgida, usually sold as orange coneflower or ‘Goldsturm’ black-eyed Susan. Understanding which one you have makes a real difference in how the plant behaves over time.

Are Black-Eyed Susans Perennials? What to Expect

Are black-eyed susans perennials? The answer depends on the species. Rudbeckia fulgida is a true perennial that typically returns for three to five years or more once established. Rudbeckia hirta is often a biennial or short-lived perennial, and many plants may bloom in their first season and then fade, although they often self-seed and bring back new plants. If you are unsure which you bought, check the plant tag for the botanical name before deciding how to care for it.

Are black eyed susans perennials that come back every year in every climate? Not always. Hardiness varies by species and cultivar, and most garden perennials listed as hardy to USDA zones 4 through 9 will survive winter in that range with proper site conditions. Heat, humidity, and poor drainage can shorten the life of the plant even within its hardiness zone.

For more background on how perennials differ from other plant types, see What Does Perennials Plants Mean? A Plain-English Guide. If you want to compare growth habits, Difference Between Annuals and Perennials (2026): Which Should You Choose? is a useful companion read.

Choosing the Right Black Eyed Susan Perennial

Before you buy, decide what you want from the plant. A few common options work well in most gardens:

• ‘Goldsturm’ (Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii): Compact, long-blooming, with golden-yellow daisies with dark brown centers from midsummer into fall. It is widely planted and dependable.
• Orange coneflower (Rudbeckia fulgida): Often grown as a garden perennial with bright orange-yellow petals and a spreading habit.
• Cutleaf coneflower (Rudbeckia laciniata): Taller, sometimes reaching 6 feet, with a pale yellow bloom. Best for back-of-border planting or naturalized areas.
• Brown-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia triloba): Often grown as a short-lived perennial or biennial that self-seeds freely.

Match the Cultivar to Your Space

Plant height ranges from about 18 inches for compact cultivars to 6 feet or more for tall species. Check the expected mature height and spread on the label, then leave at least 18 to 24 inches of space between compact plants and 30 inches or more for larger ones. Crowded plants develop poor airflow and are more prone to powdery mildew.

How to Plant Black Eyed Susan Perennials

Spring and early fall are the best planting windows. Plants set out in spring usually establish before summer heat arrives, while fall planting gives roots time to settle before winter. Follow these steps for the strongest start.

1. Pick a full-sun site. Plan for at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. Plants grown in too much shade become leggy and produce fewer flowers.
2. Test drainage. Dig a hole about 12 inches deep and fill it with water. If it drains within a few hours, the site is suitable. If water stands overnight, amend the soil or choose a raised bed.
3. Loosen the soil. Work the soil to a depth of 8 to 10 inches and mix in 2 to 3 inches of compost. Black-eyed Susans tolerate a range of soil types, including average and somewhat poor soils, but they perform best in loose, well-drained ground.
4. Set the plant at the right depth. Position the root ball so the top of the soil sits level with the surrounding ground. Planting too deep can cause crown rot.
5. Backfill and water. Firm the soil gently around the roots and water deeply, applying roughly one inch of water to the root zone.
6. Mulch lightly. Spread 1 to 2 inches of shredded bark or leaf mulch around the plant, keeping it a few inches away from the stems.

Spacing Guide

Watering, Feeding, and Ongoing Care

Once established, black-eyed Susans handle dry spells well, but they bloom most heavily with steady moisture during the growing season.

Watering Schedule

• Water deeply once or twice a week during the first growing season, supplying about one inch of water each time.
• After establishment, water during extended dry periods, typically when the top two inches of soil feel dry.
• Water at the base of the plant in the morning to keep foliage dry and reduce the risk of fungal disease.

Feeding

Black-eyed Susans rarely need heavy feeding. A top dressing of compost in early spring is usually enough. Overfertilizing with high-nitrogen products encourages lush foliage at the expense of flowers and can make stems floppy. If your soil is very poor, a balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer applied according to the label is a reasonable choice.

Deadheading and Pruning

Removing spent flowers keeps plants blooming longer and tidier. Cut flower stems back to a leaf node or to the basal foliage. If you want self-seeding, leave a few seedheads standing in late fall. Goldfinches often feed on them through winter, which many gardeners enjoy.

Dividing and Propagating Black Eyed Susan Perennials

Dividing is the most reliable way to keep a clump vigorous and to share plants. Divide clumps every three to four years, or when the center starts to die out and flowering declines. Spring is the usual time, though early fall works in mild regions.

1. Water the plant the day before dividing.
2. Dig around the clump, keeping roughly 6 inches of soil around the root zone.
3. Lift the clump and shake off loose soil.
4. Pull or cut the clump into sections, each with several healthy shoots and roots.
5. Replant the divisions at the same depth they grew before, spacing them as recommended above.
6. Water well and keep the soil moist for the next few weeks.

For a broader look at this process, including timing for other plant types, see When and How to Divide Perennial Plants Successfully.

Growing Black Eyed Susans in Different Regions

Local conditions shape how well these plants perform. In USDA zone 6, many gardeners find that Rudbeckia fulgida cultivars are dependable with good drainage. If you garden in a colder area, check whether a cultivar is rated for your zone before buying. Perennials for Zone 6b: 7 Best Picks for Every Garden (2026) offers more options for that climate. Gardeners in hot, humid regions may need to plant in morning sun and afternoon shade to reduce stress.

If you want to pair black-eyed Susans with other long-blooming plants, Perennials That Bloom All Year: A Step-by-Step Guide to Continuous Color shows how to build a bed with extended color.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Planting in too much shade. Fewer flowers and weak, leaning stems are the usual result.
• Overwatering in heavy clay. Soggy roots lead to crown rot. Improve drainage before planting.
• Feeding too heavily. Rich soil and high nitrogen produce foliage instead of blooms.
• Skipping division. Old clumps thin out in the center and bloom less each year.
• Crowding the bed. Poor airflow invites powdery mildew. Keep spacing generous.
• Cutting back too early. Leave some foliage and seedheads through fall to support the plant and wildlife.

Tips for Longer-Lasting, Healthier Plants

• Choose disease-resistant cultivars when possible, and check plants regularly for leaf spots or powdery residue.
• Remove diseased foliage promptly and dispose of it rather than composting it.
• Mulch in late fall after the ground freezes lightly to protect crowns from heaving.
• Stake tall cultivars early in the season if they grow in windy spots.
• Pair them with pollinator-friendly companions such as coneflowers, bee balm, and salvia for a long-lasting display.

Recommended Gear

A few basic tools make planting and dividing much easier. A sharp, sturdy spade is useful for lifting and separating clumps, and a sharp pair of pruners handles deadheading cleanly. A soil knife or hori-hori can help split tight root masses, and a soaker hose keeps water at the root zone without wetting foliage.

• Felco F-2 Classic Pruner: Its sharp, replaceable blades make clean cuts on spent stems and reduce plant stress. View on Amazon
• Fiskars Steel Digging Spade: A sturdy blade helps lift and divide established clumps without bending. View on Amazon
• Japanese Hori-Hori Garden Knife: The serrated, pointed blade cuts through tough roots during division. View on Amazon
• Gilmour Soaker Hose: Delivers water slowly to the root zone, which helps keep foliage dry. View on Amazon

FAQ

Are black eyed susans perennials or annuals?

It depends on the species. Rudbeckia fulgida is a true perennial, while Rudbeckia hirta is often grown as a short-lived perennial or biennial that self-seeds.

Do black eyed susan perennials come back every year?

Most perennial types return each year in their hardiness zone, usually for three to five years before a clump needs dividing. Short-lived types may return through self-seeding instead.

When is the best time to plant black-eyed Susans?

Spring and early fall are ideal. Spring planting allows the roots to establish before summer heat, while fall planting gives them time to settle before winter.

How much sun do black-eyed Susans need?

They perform best with six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. Too much shade reduces flowering and causes weak stems.

How often should I divide black eyed susan perennials?

Divide every three to four years, or when the center of the clump dies out and bloom declines. Spring or early fall are the best times.

Why are my black-eyed Susans not blooming?

The most common causes are too much shade, excessive nitrogen fertilizer, or an overcrowded clump. Check light conditions, reduce feeding, and divide if needed.

Do black-eyed Susans attract pollinators?

Yes. Their daisy-like flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, and the seedheads provide food for birds in fall and winter.

Are black-eyed Susans deer resistant?

They are generally considered somewhat resistant, since deer tend to avoid their coarse foliage, but no plant is fully deer-proof. Results vary with local deer pressure and food supply.

Conclusion

Black eyed susans perennials reward a little planning with color from midsummer into fall. Choose a species that matches your climate and space, plant in full sun with good drainage, and avoid overfeeding. Divide clumps every few years to keep them vigorous, and your patch should keep blooming for years to come.

About Claire Whitaker

Claire Whitaker is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our plant care Q&A guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.