Perennial
Black Eyed Susan
Rudbeckia hirta
Monrovia® varieties
Varieties We Carry
StandardRudbeckia hirtaYellowRudbeckia hirtaHyb Little GoldstarRudbeckia hirtaMonrovia
Sizes & Pricing
1 galFrom$6.95
3 galFrom$14.95
Seed PackFrom$4.69
Fresh this week. Last restocked Jun 25.
LightFull Sun
WaterLow
Mature size2-3 feet × 2-3 feet
About Black Eyed Susan
Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) is a Florida native annual or short-lived perennial producing cheerful golden-yellow daisy flowers with dark central cones from spring through fall. Extremely heat- and drought-tolerant, it thrives in NE Florida's sandy soils, attracts pollinators and birds, and self-seeds readily for year-after-year color with minimal care. Starting at $6.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Spring, Summer, Fall
- Flower Color
- Yellow, Orange
- Growth Rate
- Moderate
- Foliage
- Annual
- Soil
- Sandy, Loam, Clay, Acidic, Well-drained
Best planting months
Recommended forZone 9b · St. Augustine, FL
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This monthGood windowOther months
Seasonal care
New foliage emerges. Good planting window.
Bloom season. Handles summer heat well once established.
Bloom season. Foliage may begin to change or drop. Ideal planting window.
Dormant — drops foliage.
Care essentials
Light
Plant in full sun for best flowering. Black-Eyed Susan thrives in NE Florida's sunny conditions and is well adapted to the heat, humidity, and sandy soils of the region.
Water
Drought-tolerant once established; water regularly until plants are settled, then reduce to supplemental watering only during extended dry periods. Avoid overhead watering to minimize foliar disease, which can be an issue in Florida's humid climate.
Soil & Fertilizer
Tolerates a wide range of well-drained soils including sandy Florida soils. Minimal fertilizer needed — apply a light application of balanced slow-release fertilizer at planting. This native self-seeds readily in NE Florida; deadhead to control spread or leave seedheads for birds.
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Common questions
Is Black Eyed Susan a good plant for St. Augustine?
Black Eyed Susan is a perennial for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 2-3 feet × 2-3 feet.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed February 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.