Plant of the Week – show 2

Common Name:
Black-eyed Susan

Scientific Name:
Rudbeckia hirta

Plant Description:

From summer to fall, black-eyed Susans traditionally provide a display of pale- to deep-yellow daisylike petals surrounding cone-shaped purple-brown centers. Often grown as an annual, this short-lived perennial is easy to care for and attracts bees and butterflies to the garden from summer to fall.

Plant Profile & Needs:

• Plant type: perennial
• Hardiness Zones: 3 to 7
• Light: full sun
• Height: 12 in. to 36 in.
• Spread: 12 in. to 18 in.
• Habit: erect
• Soil: fertile, well drained
• Soil pH: slightly acidic to neutral, pH 6.5-7
• Soil moisture: moist
• Bloom time: summer, fall
• Reblooms: continuous throughout the growing season
• Flower color: yellow (single, daisylike flower daisy-like flower with brown center)

Planting Notes:

Start with new plants, spring and fall divisions or seed sown indoors, lightly pressed into soil, 6–8 weeks before last frost or broadcast in fall. Choose a sunny site with well-drained soil, and amend with well-rotted manure or compost before planting. Set plants 14–18 inches apart. Water upon planting. Mulch to conserve moisture.

Care:

WATER AND FERTILIZE
Monitor soil all season to maintain moisture. Apply a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer at the beginning of the season, following label directions.