Rudbeckia fulgida (black-eyed Susan) — perennial

Overview

Rudbeckia fulgida is a perennial in the genus Rudbeckia, part of the Asteraceae family. Rudbeckia fulgida grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and neutral and slightly acidic pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include borders, wildflower gardens and pollinator gardens. It is native to E USA & E Canada.

About

Rudbeckia fulgida is a perennial in the Asteraceae family, valued for its long summer-to-autumn flowering from July to October. It favours full sun on well-drained loamy or sandy soils with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. Plant it in an open, south-facing spot where soil moisture is moderate and drainage is good. H7 hardiness means it is fully hardy in UK gardens.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Rudbeckia fulgida

About the genus

Rudbeckia is a plant genus in the Asteraceae or composite family. Rudbeckia flowers feature a prominent, raised central disc in black, brown shades of green, and in-between tones, giving rise to their familiar common names of coneflowers and black-eyed-susans. All are native to North America, and many species are cultivated in gardens for their showy yellow or gold flower heads that bloom in mid to late summer.

Wikipedia contributors, "Rudbeckia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Rudbeckia

In the garden

Rudbeckia fulgida originates from eastern North America and has become a familiar choice where a reliable late-summer display is wanted. It performs best in a sunny, south-facing position with open exposure so flowers sit above surrounding foliage and get maximum light. Give it a loamy or sandy, well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH; while it tolerates average moisture, avoid waterlogged sites. In the UK its H7 rating means plants will survive winter outdoors without special protection. Positioning in full sun helps extend flowering and supports sturdy stems through the season. Use Rudbeckia fulgida in mixed herbaceous borders, wildflower schemes and pollinator-focused areas where a sustained summer-to-autumn show is required. It integrates well alongside other perennials that prefer similar, well-drained soils and a sunny aspect. Expect a long run of blooms from July to October, providing colour into autumn and tying the late-season planting scheme together.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Rudbeckia

Sunlight: full sun
Soil type: loamy, sandy, well-drained
Soil pH: neutral, slightly acidic
Soil moisture: medium, well-drained
Aspect: south-facing
Exposure: open
UK hardiness: H7

Plant details

Rudbeckia fulgida size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: perennial
Suggested uses: borders, wildflower gardens, pollinator gardens
Native to: E USA & E Canada

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Rudbeckia fulgida

Cultivation: Plant in well-drained soil in full sun. Deadhead to prolong flowering. Divide clumps every few years to maintain vigor.
Pruning: Deadhead spent flowers; cut back in late autumn or early spring.
Propagation: seed, division

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Rudbeckia fulgida?

Plant in well-drained soil in full sun. Deadhead to prolong flowering. Divide clumps every few years to maintain vigor.

Where is the best place to plant Rudbeckia fulgida?

Rudbeckia fulgida prefers full sun. It suits open positions.

What soil does Rudbeckia fulgida need?

Rudbeckia fulgida is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including loamy, sandy and well-drained. It prefers neutral and slightly acidic soil. Aim for soil that stays medium to well-drained.

How do I prune Rudbeckia fulgida?

Deadhead spent flowers; cut back in late autumn or early spring.

Is Rudbeckia fulgida hardy in the UK?

Rudbeckia fulgida has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.

How do I propagate Rudbeckia fulgida?

Seed, division.

More in the Rudbeckia genus

Browse all Rudbeckia →