Rudbeckias are colourful, easy-to-grow plants that bring long-lasting displays from mid-summer through to autumn.
Their daisy-like flowers brighten borders, containers and wildlife-friendly gardens, making them a popular choice for gardens of all sizes.
Growing Rudbeckias
Rudbeckias, also known as Black-eyed Susans, thrive in sunny positions with well-drained, fertile soil.
You can grow rudbeckias in borders or containers, with both annual and perennial varieties available. If you are planting annuals, ensure they are hardened off before planting outside, after the risk of frost has passed.
Rudbeckias are ideal for mixed borders, cottage gardens and wildlife-friendly planting schemes, where they provide long-lasting colour and combine well with other late-summer flowering plants.
Our Planting Tips:
- Arrange plants on the soil to ensure there is enough spacing between them
- Remove each plant from its pot and gently loosen roots with your fingers
- Dig a hole slightly larger than the rootball
- Plant so the roots are covered, but the base of the stems remains above the soil
- Firm the soil around the plant using your hands
- Water well after planting, and apply a layer of mulch to help retain moisture
Caring for Rudbeckias
Rudbeckias are low-maintenance plants, which are easy to look after. To encourage even more blooms, regularly deadhead spent flowers throughout the season.
Once established, rudbeckias are fairly drought tolerant. However, watering during prolonged dry spells will help keep plants healthy and encourage the best display of flowers. Every spring, apply a generous layer of mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture near the roots and suppress weeds.
Like many perennials, rudbeckias benefit from being lifted and divided every three to five years. Dividing should be done in early spring, as this helps to maintain plant health and vigour.
Annual rudbeckias will complete their life cycle in one growing season, while perennial varieties return year after year. Leaving the faded flowers in place until autumn can also provide extra interest before tidying the plants in spring.
What to Plant with Rudbeckias
Flowering from mid-summer into autumn, rudbeckias combine beautifully with perovskia, as their bright yellow flowers stand out against the silvery foliage of perovskia. Other sun-loving perennials such as echinacea and salvias also make excellent companions. Their warm tones and long flowering season complement rudbeckias, creating colourful displays that last well into autumn.
For naturalistic and prairie-styled gardens, rudbeckia pair well with ornamental grasses, as they both enjoy the same conditions of full sun and moist but well-drained soil. The grasses add movement and texture which contrasts against rudbeckia’s bold flowers.
Planting for Pollinators
Rudbeckias are great for wildlife. Their open, nectar-rich flowers are easy for bees and butterflies to access, making them a valuable late-season food source when many other flowering plants have finished blooming.
Over winter, leaving the seed heads in place provides a valuable food source for birds, while also adding seasonal interest to the garden. If you are looking to encourage more wildlife into your garden, rudbeckias are an excellent choice.
Things to Watch Out For
Rudbeckias are easy to grow, robust plants, but there are a few common things to watch out for.
Mildew – Powdery mildew may appear as a white, powdery coating on the leaves, stems and flowers. To help prevent it, grow rudbeckias in a sunny position with good air circulation and leave enough space between plants.
Aphids – These are small insects that feed on plant sap and can cause distorted new growth. They are an important food source for birds, ladybirds and other beneficial wildlife, so they can often be left alone unless numbers become excessive.
Why Choose Rudbeckias?
With their long flowering season and value for pollinators, rudbeckias are a fantastic addition to sunny gardens. Whether planted in borders, containers or prairie-style displays, they provide reliable colour from summer into autumn.
Pop into your local Tates of Sussex Garden Centre today to explore our range of rudbeckias and complementary plants. Our knowledgeable, friendly team are always happy to help you choose the perfect variety for your garden.
For more growing tips and inspiration, watch our latest Plant of the Week featuring rudbeckias available now on our YouTube channel!
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