Dakota Flame Black-Eyed Susan
Rudbeckia hirta 'Dakota Flame'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
24 inches
Width
18 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Short-lived perennial, often grown as an annual
Native To
North America
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
The Story
Plant Bio
Rudbeckia hirta 'Dakota Flame' is a lively, upright perennial with bright yellow, daisy-like flowers featuring prominent dark centers, and dark green, lance-shaped foliage that creates a cheerful garden display. This cultivar is distinguished by its vibrant, fiery orange-red petals that provide a striking contrast, making it especially attractive for border planting and attracting pollinators.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into soil in early spring for best germination.
- Water regularly until seedlings are established.
- Fertilize lightly in spring with balanced fertilizer.
- Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers.
- Divide plants every 2-3 years in early spring or fall.
- Mulch around base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Pro Tip
Plant in well-drained soil with full sun for optimal growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water deeply during dry spells 🌱
- Deadhead for prolonged blooming
- Divide every 2-3 years
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t fertilize excessively
- Avoid heavy shade
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Harvest | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup | ||||||||||||
| Winter Prep |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Dakota Flame Black-Eyed Susan questions
What zones can Dakota Flame Black-Eyed Susan grow in?
Dakota Flame Black-Eyed Susan is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Dakota Flame Black-Eyed Susan deer resistant?
Yes — Dakota Flame Black-Eyed Susan is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Dakota Flame Black-Eyed Susan bloom?
Dakota Flame Black-Eyed Susan typically blooms in mid-summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Dakota Flame Black-Eyed Susan need full sun?
Dakota Flame Black-Eyed Susan does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Dakota Flame Black-Eyed Susan drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Dakota Flame Black-Eyed Susan handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Rudbeckia to compare
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Rudbeckia hirta 'American Gold Rush'
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Black-eyed Susan
Rudbeckia fulgida 'Goldsturm'
Chim Chiminee Black-eyed Susan
Rudbeckia hirta 'Chim Chiminee'
Cherokee Sunset Black-eyed Susan
Rudbeckia hirta 'Cherokee Sunset'
Black-eyed Susan
Rudbeckia hirta
Keep exploring
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Grow Dakota Flame Black-Eyed Susan with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
