Black-Eyed Susans: A Guide for Young Gardeners
Introduction:
Black-eyed Susans are cheerful and easy-to-grow flowers that add a splash of color to any garden. They’re also great for attracting butterflies and other pollinators. In this article, we’ll learn all about black-eyed Susans, including how to grow them, care for them, and use them in your garden.
Types of Black-Eyed Susans:
Black-eyed Susans come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some are annuals, which means they only live for one year. Others are biennials, which means they live for two years. And still others are short-lived perennials, which means they live for a few years.
The most common type of black-eyed Susan is Rudbeckia hirta. This is the classic black-eyed Susan with yellow petals and a brown center. However, there are also many other varieties of black-eyed Susans, including:
- Gloriosa daisy (Rudbeckia hirta ‘Gloriosa’)
- Brown-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia triloba)
- Dwarf black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta ‘Little Goldstar’)
Growing Black-Eyed Susans:
Black-eyed Susans are very easy to grow. They prefer full sun to light shade and well-drained soil. They are also drought tolerant, so they don’t need to be watered very often.
To grow black-eyed Susans from seed, simply sow the seeds directly in the garden in the spring. The seeds will germinate in about two weeks. Once the seedlings have emerged, thin them out so that they are spaced about 6 inches apart.
Caring for Black-Eyed Susans:
Black-eyed Susans are very low-maintenance plants. However, there are a few things you can do to keep them healthy and blooming all summer long.
- Water your black-eyed Susans regularly, especially during hot and dry weather.
- Deadhead the spent blooms to encourage more flowers.
- Divide your black-eyed Susans every few years to prevent them from becoming overcrowded.
Black-Eyed Susans in the Garden:
Black-eyed Susans are a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of ways in the garden. They make great cut flowers, and they also attract butterflies and other pollinators. Black-eyed Susans can also be used to create a natural meadow or to add color to a wildflower garden.
Companion Planting with Black-Eyed Susans:
Black-eyed Susans are a good companion plant for many other flowers and vegetables. They can be planted with lavender, rosemary, and other repellent plants to keep deer and rabbits away. Black-eyed Susans can also be planted with tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants to improve pollination and yields.
Conclusion:
Black-eyed Susans are a beautiful and easy-to-grow flower that can add a splash of color to any garden. With a little care, they will bloom all summer long and attract butterflies and other pollinators. So if you’re looking for a low-maintenance plant that will add beauty and wildlife to your garden, black-eyed Susans are a great choice.
