For many landscapers, finding plants that offer season-long visual interest can be difficult. Some climates may also present additional challenges, like heat or high humidity. Fortunately, many types of native wildflower can grow and thrive under these conditions. One such example is black-eyed Susan – or Rudbeckia hirta.
Widely sold at garden centers, these unique flowers can also be grown from seed. Though traditional yellow black-eyed Susan varieties are most common, newer Rudbeckia hirta cultivars come in a much broader range of color and form. Learning more about various types of black-eyed Susan can help growers select those that are ideal for use in their flower borders and cutting gardens.
Black-eyed Susan care is straightforward, which means they are among the most popular flowering plants for the ornamental garden. The plants are drought-resistant and grow in a variety of soil types, preferring a neutral soil pH and a sunny spot in the garden. They are suitable for USDA hardiness zones 3-9.
As well as Rudbeckia hirta, there are many other Rudbeckia varieties that will add color to fall gardens, such as Rudbeckia triloba, also known as brown-eyed Susan, a late-blooming variety with smaller flower heads; Rudbeckia laciniata, or cutleaf coneflower, which features charming yellow daisy-like flowers in a droopy umbrella shape; and Rudbeckia texana, or Texas coneflower, which resembles a tall hat.
Shop Fall-Favorite Rudbeckias
While the classic black-eyed Susan is a stunning addition to summer and fall gardens, other Rudbeckia varieties deserve a spot in your planting plans. Discover our top picks, available in the shop.
Best Black-Eyed Susan Varieties to Plant
Discover the most stunning black-eyed Susan varieties of Rudbeckia hirta, that will make pots and beds sing with rich fall color for months on end.
1. Cherry Brandy
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‘Cherry Brandy’ rudbeckia flowers grow on short, strong stems. Each bloom opens to display rich, deep burgundy red petals around a dark black disk. Its rich colors also pair well with sunflowers and other wildflowers in seasonal flower arrangements.
2. Chim Chiminee
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‘Chim Chiminee’ stands out from different varieties of rudbeckia due to its interesting petal shape. Each plant produces a profusion of large, quill-shaped blooms that range in color from yellow to deep burgundy.
3. Indian Summer
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‘Indian Summer’ is popular among the Rudbeckia hirta cultivars which most resemble wild black-eyed susan flowers. Throughout summer, large yellow petals unfurl around a flattened brown disk.
4. Cherokee Sunset
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The stunning rust hues and large, double or semi-double blooms of ‘Cherokee Sunset’ set it apart from other black-eyed Susan varieties. The flower heads can reach up to 3-4 inches wide, making them excellent cut flowers for fall displays.
5. Gloriosa Double
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Gloriosa daisy varieties greatly resemble more traditional Rudbeckia hirta cultivars, but possess a unique double blooming flower form. Massive, full-looking blooms also make the flower ideal for use in cut flower arrangements.
6. Sahara
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‘Sahara’ is among the most popular rudbeckia varieties with cut flower growers. Each plant produces double flowers that bloom in highly saturated autumnal tones.
7. Prairie Sun
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‘Prairie Sun’ rudbeckia flowers are celebrated for their appealing two-tone petals, which open in shades of light and darker shades of yellow. This variety also adds interest to the landscape with bright green center disks.
8. Enchanted Sun
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Rudbeckia ‘Enchanted Sun’ is an award-winning variety in soft tones of golden orange with a flush of mahogany red at the heart of the semi double flowers. It’s a robust variety that’s perfect for containers, borders, and beds – and makes a glorious cut flower.
9. Maya
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‘Maya’ is an unusual black-eyed Susan variety with a compact form and striking double flowers. Known for its long bloom time, it flowers from mid-summer right through to first frost. It’s ideal for pots and beds, adding a vibrant splash of color for months on end.
10. Autumn Forest
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Featuring large 5-inch vibrant flowers in yellow with an orange-red centre, ‘Autumn Forest’ is truly a sight to behold in the fall. It’s easy to grow from seed and a magnet for pollinators, so fill beds and borders with its glorious giant blooms.
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