Black-eyed Susans are one of the most cheerful and ubiquitous flowers of summer. They seem to be everywhere, brightening up roadsides, meadows, and gardens with their sunny yellow petals and bold black centers. Many people assume that these annuals will come back year after year without any effort on their part.
Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Whether or not black-eyed Susans return to your garden depends on a number of factors, including the type of plant you have, your local climate, and how you care for them.
Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) is an annual flower that blooms in the summer and dies in the fall. The plant grows to be about 2 to 3 feet tall and has large, yellow flowers with black centers. Black-eyed Susans are native to North America and are often found growing in fields or along roadsides.
Although they are annuals, black-eyed Susans will often self-seed and come back the following year. They are also very easy to grow from seed, so if you want to have them in your garden every year, it’s easy to do. Just make sure to plant them in a sunny spot and give them plenty of room to spread out.
Contents
Do Black Eyed Susans come back every year?
Does Black Eyed Susan Come Back Every Year
Yes, Black Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) is an annual flower.
How Do I Care for Black Eyed Susans
Black-eyed Susans are heat and drought tolerant, making them ideal for planting in areas that receive full sun. They will also grow in partial shade, but may not produce as many flowers. The plants do best in well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH level.
Once established, they are relatively low maintenance and only need to be watered during extended periods of dry weather.
To encourage continued blooming, deadhead spent flowers regularly. This can be done by snipping off the flower heads at the base of the plant or by pinching them off with your fingers.
Black-eyed Susans will bloom from mid-summer through fall if deadheading is done on a regular basis.
Avoid using a high nitrogen fertilizer as this can promote leaf growth at the expense of flower production. Pests and diseases are generally not a problem for black-eyed Susans. However, aphids may occasionally infest the plants and cause distorted growth or decreased flowering.
What are the Benefits of Growing Black Eyed Susans
The Black Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) is a North American wildflower that has many benefits. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate poor soil and drought conditions, making it a good choice for low-maintenance gardens. The bright yellow flowers are attractive to bees and other pollinators, and the seeds provide food for birds.
The plant also has medicinal properties, and the roots can be used to make a tea that is effective in treating colds and flu.
Credit: hort.extension.wisc.edu
Conclusion
Black-eyed Susans are a beautiful and popular flower that many people enjoy planting in their gardens. Many people are curious if these flowers come back every year, and the answer is yes! Black-eyed Susans are actually a type of wildflower that typically blooms in the summertime.
If you live in an area where it gets cold in the winter, you may need to replant your Black-eyed Susans each year. However, if you live in a warm climate, they should come back on their own each year.