Black- eyed Susans add bright, sunny color to the garden
Story and photos contributed by The National Garden Bureau

Rudbeckias grow best in full sun and average well- drained soil, but they will tolerate light shade and dry conditions.

Rudbeckia is widely known as black- eyed Susan or coneflower. This native to North America can grow as a wildflower in fields and along roadsides throughout the country.

These reliable plants shine in the garden with an abundance of brightly- colored flowers reflecting the brilliant yellows and oranges of the summer sun.

Rudbeckias are easy to grow, adapt to a wide range of garden conditions, have few insect or disease problems, and require only minimal care.

Rudbeckias were grown in English gardens many years before they were accepted by Americans as worthy garden plants. British plant collector John Tradescant was given roots of the wildflower by French settlers in the New World.

By the mid- 1800s, the rudbeckia had found its way back to America and growing throughout the prairies and plains. It was used medicinally by many Native Americans to care for both people and horses.

Excess fertilizer can make plants weak and cause flower stems to flop. The plant should be watered when soil is dry.

Perennial varieties can be sown in fall or early spring, and they should be watered regularly so the seed beds stay moist.

The mature size of the plant determines the correct spacing.

Annual rudbeckias begin blooming 10 to 12 weeks after planting seeds. Perennial varieties will bloom the first year in the garden if started early.

Remove or deadhead faded flowers by pinching off the blooms at the base of the flower stem to promote blooming and extend the flowering period. Extra plants may need to be removed or transplanted to prevent crowding.

Perennial rudbeckias require little maintenance, and they don't need to be divided regularly like many other perennials because the center of the plant does not die out.

Rudbeckias are easy to grow with few disease or insect problems. Plants growing in hot, humid climates may be susceptible to powdery mildew or botrytis (grey mold) on their leaves. This can be minimized by planting in an area that receives plenty of light and provides adequate spacing between plants for good air circulation.

Rudbeckias can be used alone in mass plantings, as a border or along a fence. Bees and butterflies are drawn to their colorful flowers while the ripe coneheads provide seed during the fall and winter to feed hungry birds, especially finches and chickadees.

For more information visit www.ngb.org.