Black-Eyed Susan

Easy to grow, long blooming annual. Flowers in summer through fall. Black-Eyed Susans attract butterflies and make excellent cut flowers. Depending on growing conditions, this species may act as an annual, biennial or as a short-lived perennial. Bright-yellow, 2-3 in. wide, daisy-like flowers with dark centers are its claim-to-fame.

Black-eyed Susans are easy to grow in North Texas and tolerate summer heat and dry conditions. They require full sun to partial afternoon shade with a medium amount of supplemental water after establishment — once or twice a week during the growing season. Removing dead flower heads every two weeks helps prolong the blooming season. Fertilize at planting time and annually with a timed-release product. Cut the dead foliage back to the ground after a hard freeze.

Powdery mildew may cause white patches to form on leaves. Although the plant is weakened, it usually survives.

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