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Golden-yellow Black-eyed Susan with dark brown center in a sunny borderPerennials

Rudbeckia fulgida

Black-eyed Susan

black-eyed Susanprairie gardenbee-friendlybutterfly plantperennial

Black-eyed Susan blooms from July through October with radiant golden-yellow petals surrounding a dark brown center. The plant is virtually indestructible, spreads gradually, and suits large borders and prairie-style gardens. After flowering, the seed heads provide food for birds.

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Before
After

Characteristics

Sun
Full sun
Water
Low
Height
60–90 cm
Spread
40–60 cm
Hardiness zone
3–9
Family
Asteraceae
Evergreen
No
Flower colors
yellow
Wildlife value
bees, butterflies, birds

Bloom period

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Care guide

Plant in full sun in moist but well-drained soil. The plant tolerates heavier clay soil without issues. Apply compost in spring and divide the clump every three to four years to maintain vigour. Water only during prolonged dry spells.

Pruning tips

Leave seed heads in place after flowering for birds and winter interest. Cut dead foliage back to ground level in early spring. Remove spent flower stems during the season to keep the plant tidy.

Good companions

Pink-purple coneflower with orange-brown cone in a sunny borderPerennials

Echinacea purpurea

Purple Coneflower

Purple Coneflower is a sturdy perennial with distinctive pink-purple petals surrounding an orange-brown cone. The flowers appear from July to September and are a magnet for butterflies and bees. In autumn and winter, the seed heads attract goldfinches and other seed-eating birds.

Full sunLow60–120 cm
Silvery-white plumes of Chinese Silver Grass swaying in autumn windOrnamental grasses

Miscanthus sinensis

Chinese Silver Grass

Chinese Silver Grass is a striking ornamental grass that adds structure to any garden with its tall plumes and gracefully arching leaves. Silvery-white plumes appear from August to October and catch the autumn and winter light beautifully. The dried grass remains attractive throughout winter.

Full sunMedium150–250 cm
Pink flower heads of stonecrop with butterflies in late summerPerennials

Sedum spectabile

Stonecrop

Stonecrop is a succulent perennial with thick, grey-green leaves and flat pink flower heads from August to October. The plant is extremely drought-tolerant and attracts large numbers of butterflies and bees in late summer. The dried flower heads provide striking winter interest.

Full sunLow30–50 cm