Rain Garden Plants: Brown-eyed Susan

Short-lived perennial but readily self-seeds. May grow bushy if not overcrowded with other plants. Its bright-yellow flowers have 8 to 10 rays, are 1 to 2 inches across, and have brown centers. The dark-green leaves are 4 inches long and 2 inches wide and have three lobes. Stems are maroon and hairy. It is similar to the common black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) but is taller, has smaller flowers, and blooms later and longer. Attracts butterflies, bees, and songbirds. Adapts to a variety of soil conditions and is tolerant of drought, heat, and deer.

Height: 24 to 36 inches
Bloom color: Golden petals with brown disk
Bloom time: July to September
Hardiness zone: 3 to 9
Salt tolerance: Not tolerant
Spreading habit: Self-seeds

Site Conditions

Sun: Sun/partial shade
Soil: pH 6.1 to 7.8 (mildly acidic to mildly alkaline)
Hydrologic zone: Dry; not capable of surviving in standing water

Sources

North Carolina State Extension

Prepared by Jessica Chou, Jodi Sulpizio, and Constance Schmotzer.