Exploring Vibrant Black-Eyed Susan Varieties: Savor Stunning Autumn Hues for Extended Periods
Melanie Griffiths, Editor in Chief
For those seeking to bring vibrant color and life to their gardens as the autumn season approaches, Black-Eyed Susans are an ideal choice. These popular flowering plants, native to North America, offer a variety of striking varieties that can extend blooming periods well into the fall.
1. ‘American Gold Rush’ Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia)
Recognized for its long-lasting golden yellow flowers that bloom from summer through fall, ‘American Gold Rush’ is a standout variety. This triple crown-winning perennial is highly resistant to diseases, deer, and rabbits, making it low-maintenance and reliable. Native to North America, it supports pollinators and wildlife, thriving in zones 4-9 with sun to part sun exposure. This cultivar grows about 26 inches tall and 44 inches wide and is drought and heat tolerant, excellent for cottage, prairie, or cut flower gardens. It was the 2023 Perennial Plant Association Perennial of the Year and an All-America Selections winner after a rigorous trial for disease resistance and flower longevity.
2. General Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia species)
Black-Eyed Susans have classic daisy-like flowers with golden yellow petals and dark centers that bloom starting in early to midsummer, extending into fall depending on the variety. These perennials are versatile, thriving in full sun to part shade, and tolerate various soil types, including clay. They are deer resistant and can handle shady spots where other flowers may struggle, although too much fertilizer should be avoided to prevent weak stems. The popular ‘Goldsturm’ variety finishes flowering in late summer, so for fall blooming, choosing varieties like ‘American Gold Rush’ or checking bloom time charts is recommended. They stand 2 to 4 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide, depending on the cultivar.
3. Rudbeckia hirta (common Black-eyed Susan)
A native wildflower that produces vibrant yellow flowers loved by pollinators, Rudbeckia hirta grows up to 5 feet tall and thrives in full sun across zones 3-9. It spreads easily via reseeding, providing a natural meadow-like appearance. The fuzzy leaves emerge early in spring, and it is low-maintenance and adaptable to many climates. This variety also serves as a host plant for butterflies and moths, enhancing garden biodiversity.
For fall gardens, ‘American Gold Rush’ is the standout variety due to its extended bloom period into the fall, excellent disease resistance, and wildlife support. Other Black-eyed Susans can also provide bright color but may have shorter bloom times or different growth habits, so selecting varieties based on bloom time is essential for autumn color.
Summary Table:
| Variety | Bloom Time | Height | Hardiness Zone | Key Features | Disease/Deer Resistance | Notes | |-------------------------|---------------------------|--------------|----------------|------------------------------------------|------------------------|-------------------------------| | **‘American Gold Rush’** | Summer through Fall | ~26" tall | 4-9 | Long-lasting golden blooms, pollinator-friendly, drought tolerant | Yes | Award-winning, long bloom | | **General Black-eyed Susan** | Early to midsummer, variable fall bloom | 2-4 feet | 4-9 | Versatile in soil and light, deer resistant | Yes | ‘Goldsturm’ stops in late summer | | **Rudbeckia hirta** | Summer through Fall | Up to 5 feet | 3-9 | Vigorous spread, pollinator host plant | Moderate | Wildflower look, spreads readily |
Black-Eyed Susans can be grown from seed and are widely sold at garden centers. For those interested in exploring more unique varieties, Rudbeckia texana, or Texas coneflower, resembles a tall hat, while Gloriosa daisy varieties possess a unique double blooming flower form, with massive, full-looking blooms ideal for use in cut flower arrangements. Other varieties include 'Prairie Sun', 'Cherry Brandy', 'Cherokee Sunset', 'Chim Chiminee', 'Autumn Forest', Rudbeckia laciniata, and Rudbeckia triloba.
Tonya Barnett, a gardener with 13 years of experience and a passion for flowers, has transformed her backyard into a cut flower garden and regularly chronicles it on her YouTube channel. With these top Black-Eyed Susan varieties for fall gardens, you too can create a stunning autumn display that supports local wildlife and brings joy to your outdoor space.
- Melanie Griffiths might find ‘American Gold Rush' Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia) particularly appealing for home-and-garden projects, as it offers long-lasting golden yellow flowers from summer through fall and thrives with low maintenance in zones 4-9.
- Incorporating a variety of Rudbeckias like 'Prairie Sun', 'Cherry Brandy', 'Cherokee Sunset', and 'Chim Chiminee' into one's home-and-garden lifestyle can lead to an array of vibrant colors and unique forms, ideal for cut flower arrangements or enhancing the overall home-and-garden appeal.
