Black Eyed Susan
Rudbeckia hirta - Starter Plug
IMPORTANT PICKUP INFORMATION
THIS ITEM IS ONLY AVAILABLE FOR PICKUP ON APRIL 25, 2026, FROM 9:30 AM TO 12:30 PM at Greenvale Vineyards, PORTSMOUTH, RHODE ISLAND.
There is no delivery option for your seedling pre-order. You must pick up your plant yourself on the seedling sale date. Any seedlings not picked up will be considered a donation to ERICD's educational farm program.
What You'll Receive:
One (1) Black Eyed Susan starter plug - a young, healthy plant with an established root system, ready to bring cheerful golden blooms and attract butterflies all season long.
America's most beloved wildflower! Black Eyed Susan brings cheerful golden-yellow blooms with distinctive dark centers from early summer through fall. This tough native adapts to almost any sunny location and naturalizes readily to create stunning drifts of color. Exceptional drought tolerance once established makes this a true low-maintenance performer. The bright flowers attract butterflies and bees during the growing season, while goldfinches feast on the seed heads in fall and winter.
Outstanding Features:
Long Blooming Season: Flowers continuously from June through October, providing months of golden color and non-stop pollinator support.
Exceptional Drought Tolerance: Once established, survives extended dry periods without supplemental watering—perfect for water-wise gardens.
Self-Sowing Wonder: Readily self-seeds to naturalize and fill in bare spots, creating natural-looking drifts without becoming invasive.
Wildlife Value: Attracts numerous butterfly species and native bees for nectar; goldfinches and other songbirds devour the seeds in fall and winter.
Cut Flower: Long-lasting in bouquets, perfect for fresh arrangements that bring garden cheer indoors.
Plant Specifications:
Light: Full sun (6-8 hours minimum)
Soil: Average, well-drained; tolerates poor soil, clay, and sandy conditions
Moisture: Dry to medium; very drought tolerant once established
Height: 2-3 feet tall, 1-1.5 feet spread
Bloom Time: June to October (summer through fall)
Hardiness: Zones 3-9 (excellent for all of New England)
Growing Tips:
Plant starter plugs 12-18 inches apart in spring or fall. Black Eyed Susan is incredibly easy to grow in any sunny location with decent drainage. Water regularly during the first season to establish roots, then it's nearly maintenance-free. Deadhead spent blooms to prolong flowering, or leave seed heads for winter bird food and self-seeding. Short-lived perennial (2-3 years) but maintains itself through abundant self-sowing. Ideal for meadows, prairies, cottage gardens, and naturalized areas throughout Rhode Island and Massachusetts.