Rudbeckia fulgida var. speciosa (Showy Black-Eyed Susan)

Rudbeckia fulgida var. speciosa is a clump-forming, erect perennial boasting masses of orange-yellow flowers, 3-4 in. across (7-10 cm), from mid-summer through early fall. Borne on sturdy stems, each charming flower counts up to 20 rays that surround a prominent chocolate central cone.

Rudbeckia fulgida var. speciosa is a clump-forming, erect perennial boasting masses of orange-yellow flowers, 3-4 in. across (7-10 cm), from mid-summer through early fall. Borne on sturdy stems, each charming flower counts up to 20 rays that surround a prominent chocolate central cone. They are produced in such profusion that they literally cover the foliage of oval, dark green leaves. Strong, vigorous, and pest resistant, this beautiful Rudbeckia species is an excellent choice for the late summer border.

  • Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society
  • Grows up to 2-3 ft. tall (60-90 cm) and 18-24 in. wide (45-60 cm).
  • Thrives in full sun or partial shade in moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soils. Best flower production occurs in full sun, although this plant will tolerate some light shade.
  • Spectacular when massed in drifts, this is an excellent choice for perennial borders, cottage gardens, prairies, and meadows.
  • Extremely easy to grow, Rudbeckia plays well with other hot-colored perennials or with the cool blues and purples of geraniums and asters.
  • Robust, low maintenance, and highly disease resistant, it is also drought tolerant.
  • Attractive to butterflies, it is deer and rabbit-resistant.
  • Remove spent flowers to promote further blooms and maintain a neat appearance.
  • US Native Wildflower

Requirements

Hardiness 3
– 8

Heat Zones 1
– 9

Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Rudbeckia
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Mid,Late)Fall
Height 2'
– 3'
(60cm
– 90cm)
Spread 1'
– 2'
(30cm
– 60cm)
Spacing 18″
– 24″
(45cm
– 60cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Plant of Merit, Showy
Native Plants United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, Wisconsin, Northeast, Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Southeast, Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia
Tolerance Clay Soil, Deer, Drought, Rabbit, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil
Attracts Birds, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds and Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow