perennialN. America Native

Chim Chiminee Black-eyed Susan

Rudbeckia hirta 'Chim Chiminee'

The Story

Plant Bio

Rudbeckia hirta 'Chim Chiminee' is a short-lived perennial or annual, featuring large, daisy-like flowers in a mix of warm colors like yellow, orange, bronze, and mahogany, often with quilled or fluted petals.

This cultivar is distinguished by its unique, quilled or rolled petals, creating a fringed look, and its rich, autumnal color palette.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesRudbeckia Chim Chiminee provides vibrant, long-lasting yellow flowers that brighten garden beds and borders, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Practical UsesIts sturdy nature makes it a low-maintenance choice for sustainable gardening and erosion control.
Ecological BenefitsSupports local pollinator populations and adds biodiversity to native plantings.
SpeciesRudbeckia hirtaBlack-eyed Susan

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

24 inches

Width

18 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Annual or short-lived perennial

Native To

North America

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Select a sunny spot with well-draining soil for optimal growth.
  2. Tuck seeds about 1/4 inch deep into soil and water gently.
  3. Mist cuttings regularly to maintain soil moisture and encourage rooting.
  4. Transplant seedlings when they are 4-6 inches tall into their permanent location.
  5. Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy blooms.
  6. Divide clumps every 2-3 years in early spring or fall to maintain vigor.

Pro Tip

Use organic compost to enrich soil and boost flowering performance.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water deeply once a week during dry spells 🌱
  • Deadhead faded flowers to encourage more blooms
  • Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring and mid-summer
  • Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds
  • Provide full sun for best flowering results

Don't

  • Avoid overwatering which can cause root rot ❌
  • Do not disturb roots when dividing during peak blooming
  • Refrain from using high nitrogen fertilizers that promote foliage over flowers
  • Do not plant in poorly drained soils
  • Avoid excessive pruning in late fall

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Deadhead
Harvest
Spring Cleanup
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Vivid perennial borderBright cut flower displayWildflower meadow accent

Companion Plants

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Chim Chiminee Black-eyed Susan questions

What zones can Chim Chiminee Black-eyed Susan grow in?

Chim Chiminee Black-eyed Susan is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Chim Chiminee Black-eyed Susan deer resistant?

Yes — Chim Chiminee Black-eyed Susan is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Chim Chiminee Black-eyed Susan bloom?

Chim Chiminee Black-eyed Susan typically blooms in summer to fall through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Chim Chiminee Black-eyed Susan need full sun?

Chim Chiminee Black-eyed Susan does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Chim Chiminee Black-eyed Susan drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Chim Chiminee Black-eyed Susan handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.

Keep exploring

Grow Chim Chiminee 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.