A mature Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) growing in a residential garden bed

In the landscape

Border · Foundation · Coastal · Naturalized · Slope · Butterfly · Childrens · Cottage

Data sources

Missouri Botanical Garden, NC State Extension

Black-eyed Susan

Rudbeckia hirta · Perennial

Black-eyed Susan is a fast-growing perennial, hardy in USDA zones 3-7, that matures to about 2–3 ft × 1–2 ft. It does best in full sun with medium water needs in well-drained, moist and occasionally-dry soil. Expect yellow, orange and red blooms in summer and fall. It attracts butterflies, pollinators and small mammals, stands up well to deer and drought and salt.

USDA zones: 3-7
Sun: Full sun
Water: Medium
Mature size: 2–3 ft × 1–2 ft
Spacing: Less than 12 in
Growth rate: Fast
Maintenance: Low
Soil: Well-drained, Moist, Occasionally-dry
Foliage: Green
Bloom color: Yellow, Orange, Red
Bloom season: Summer, Fall
Attracts: Butterflies, Pollinators, Small mammals, Songbirds
Tough against: Deer, Drought, Salt
Native to: Central United States

Will it survive your winters?

We score Black-eyed Susan’s freeze-trouble range against the real coldest nights your area has recorded.

Powered by ~35 years of daily lows from the nearest NOAA weather station. A risk read, not a guarantee — a sheltered spot or mature plant beats the odds.

More plants for your zone: Zone 3 · Zone 4 · Zone 5 · Zone 6 · Zone 7