Plant of the Week---Rudbeckia

Black-eyed Susans

Rudbeckias are one of the most beloved perennials in the country. As Maryland's state flower, the Rudbeckia hirta is very popular in our state. It has been our 'Floral Emblem' as designated by the Maryland General Assembly since 1918. Rudbeckia was named by Swedish horticulturist Carl Linnaeus after Olav Rudbeck and his son, both professors at the University of Uppsala.

Rudbeckia growing in a mixed border

The National Gardening Bureau named 2023 the Year of the Rudbeckia. So chosen for its summer longevity and durability, Rudbeckia thrives across most of the continental U S. Many varieties of Rudbeckia are sold in our garden center for their beauty and ease of growth. The aforementioned Rudbeckia hirta is a biennial or short-lived perennial that easily reseeds in Maryland. Several cultivars of hirta are longer lived.

Rudbeckia fulgida is the best known of the Rudbeckia species. 'Goldsturm' was the Perennial Plant of the Year in 1999; 'American Gold Rush' is this year's pick by the same group. 'American Gold Rush' is also an AAS winner. Another popular fulgida is 'Little Goldstar', a variety that grows about knee high compared to the others that grow 2-3 feet high. 

Rudbeckias love full sun, well-drained soil and thrive planted in large masses or in a mixed border. Great cut-flowers, Black-eyed Susans are also wonderful pollinator attractors in the garden. They also provide food for birds long past blooming season. Do not cut back spent flowers as the seed heads will provide birds with food through much of the winter.

Rudbeckia maxima can grow up to 8 feet

The flower forms differ a bit between varieties. Echinacea crosses have appeared marketed under the name Echibeckia. New varieties at trade shows and at our trial gardens include a new Sunbeckia series as well.

Trade Show Temptations

Look for the incredible selection of perennial Rudbeckias in our Sun-Loving Perennial aisles at Valley View Farms. Ask us about our favorites. And check in our Annual shade house for less hardy varieties. 

Visit our Sunny Perennial Aisle at Valley View Farms