How big does Black-eyed Susan grow?

About 80 cm × 60 cm after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 0.6–1 m × 30–75 cm.

What soil does Black-eyed Susan grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay.

Is Black-eyed Susan hardy?

Hardy down to -40 °C (USDA zone 3, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

When does Black-eyed Susan flower?

Flowering: July–October, yellow, orange.

How much water does Black-eyed Susan need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: medium.

How much does Black-eyed Susan cost?

It sells for roughly €4 to €7 in local shops, depending on size.

Black-eyed Susan

Rudbeckia fulgida

Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida) is a perennial that reaches 80 cm × 60 cm after ten years. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -40 °C. Drought tolerance: medium. Sold in local shops from about €4.

Illustration of Black-eyed Susan — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A dependable, long-flowering perennial with golden yellow, dark-centred daisies from midsummer into autumn, popular with bees and butterflies. It does best in sun and fertile soil that does not dry out. It survives dry spells once established, but in prolonged summer heat it wilts and scorches without watering.

Watch out for

In Central Europe the foliage wilts and scorches in hot, dry summers unless watered. Powdery mildew and leaf spot diseases can appear in crowded plantings with poor air flow, and slugs and aphids may damage young shoots.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 80 cm × 60 cm
Hardiness: down to -40 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D July–October, yellow, orange

Group	Perennial
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	80 cm × 60 cm
Ultimate size	0.6–1 m × 30–75 cm
Hardiness	down to -40 °C (USDA 3, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	July–October, yellow, orange
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Medium
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Medium
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	45 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	no data
Typical price	from about €4

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
30-40 cm	approx. €7
size not stated	approx. €4 – €5

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Perennials for part shade Perennials for full sun Perennials for clay soil Perennials for pollinators Plants for containers Low-maintenance perennials

Looks good next to it

Firethorn

Pyracantha coccinea

Black mondo grass

Ophiopogon planiscapus

Mountain sandwort

Arenaria montana