Black-eyed Susan: The Perennial Wildflower That Blooms All Summer
Black-eyed Susan is a perennial wildflower with yellow petals and a dark center. It blooms from summer to frost and comes back every year.
Black-eyed Susan is a North American native. It’s drought-tolerant, pollinator-friendly, and nearly indestructible.
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Days to sprout | 7-14 |
| Days to harvest | 60-90 |
| Sun | 6 hours |
| Spacing | 12-18 inches |
| Height | 2-3 feet |
| Lifespan | Perennial (short-lived) |
Why Grow It
- Perennial. Comes back for 2-3 years.
- Drought-tolerant. Thrives in dry conditions.
- Pollinator-friendly. Bees and butterflies.
- Long bloom. Summer to frost.
How It Fails
Failure 1: Powdery mildew. Late season. Airflow helps. Failure 2: Too much water. Root rot. Failure 3: Short-lived. May not come back after 2-3 years.
Comparison
| Variety | Height | Bloom | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black-eyed Susan | 2-3 ft | Yellow, dark center | Standard |
| Gloriosa Daisy | 2-3 ft | Yellow-orange | Biennial |
| Coneflower | 2-4 ft | Purple | Perennial |
| Coreopsis | 1-2 ft | Yellow | Perennial |
Common Questions
Does it come back every year? Usually 2-3 years. Then self-seeds.
How do I deadhead? Pinch off spent flowers. More blooms.
Does it attract bees? Yes. Bees and butterflies.
Can I grow it in containers? Yes. 12-inch pot.
Is it native to North America? Yes. Native to prairies.
Does it need fertilizer? No. Prefers poor soil.