Also known as Black-eyed Susan · 3.6k saves
Rudbeckia
Rudbeckia, the genus most gardeners know as black-eyed susan. We track 31 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 24 most-saved Rudbeckia varieties
See all 31 Rudbeckia varieties →Search this genus →
4 species of Rudbeckia
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Rudbeckia in Sow
Save the Rudbeckia you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Rudbeckia
Whats common across all Rudbeckia varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 31 most-grown of them.
The Rudbeckia year
- Spring CleanupFebruary and March90% of varieties
Cut back old, dead stems and foliage before new growth starts
- DeadheadJune–August84% of varieties
Remove spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming
- DivideMarch and September58% of varieties
Divide clumps every 3-5 years when flowering decreases
- PlantMarch, April, September and October42% of varieties
Plant containerized plants in spring or fall
Do
- Water deeply during dry spells 🌱
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms
- Water deeply once a week during dry spells 🌱
- Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
- Water deeply once a week during dry periods 🌱
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t disturb roots during flowering
- Avoid overwatering which can cause root rot ❌
- Overwater to avoid root rot ❌
What goes wrong with Rudbeckia
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Powdery Mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Use organic fungicide and improve air circulation |
| Japanese beetles | Chewed leaves and skeletonized foliage | Handpick beetles or apply organic pyrethrin |
| Powdery mildew | White powder on leaves | Apply fungicide and improve air circulation |
| Powdery mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide if needed |
| Powdery Mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply sulfur-based fungicide |
| Leaf Spot | Dark spots on leaves | Remove affected foliage and apply copper-based fungicide |
Making more Rudbeckia
Division
- Dig up established plants in early spring or fall.
- Separate clumps with a sharp knife or spade.
- Replant divisions immediately into prepared soil.
- Water thoroughly after planting.
Seed
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring.
- Maintain soil temperature at 65-70°F for germination, approximately 10 days.
- Thin seedlings to proper spacing once they emerge.
Rudbeckia questions
How many types of Rudbeckia are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 31 distinct Rudbeckia varieties. The most popular — ranked by 3.6k real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Rudbeckia grow in?
Across its varieties, Rudbeckia covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Rudbeckia bloom?
Most Rudbeckia varieties bloom in mid-summer to fall, late summer, mid-summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Rudbeckia should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.