Flower of the Week Black-Eyed Susan
Black-Eyed Susans bloom lavishly in the fall season. This arresting wildflower is highly identifiable by its bright yellow petals and dark center. One of the most common native wildflowers of North America, Black-Eyed Susan is a member of the large composite family. Thanks to its plentiful garden varieties and tenacious nature, the plant has earned an indispensable position in gardening.
Black-Eyed Susans were initially consumed by indigenous North Americans as herbal medicine. They’re now widely used for urban landscaping, gardening, and cut-flowers. They also have been cultivated into rich varieties, including single- or double-petalled, yellow- or salmon-colored, annual or perennial, dwarfed or giant species, etc.
A Black-Eyed Susan variety called ‘Indian Summer’
Some classic varieties, like “Indian Summer” and “Toto”, have even won the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit. Chances are that among all these varieties, there is one that meets your aesthetic preferences and adds charm to your garden.
Who is this Susan with a pair of Black Eyes? No one seems to have a clue. However, the plant’s name could trace all the way back to an ancient English poem, Black-Eyed Susan, by John Gay. Gay was a distinguished Victorian poet who described a farewell scene where a young lady named Susan sees her lover off to war.
Perhaps when the English settlers reached the New World and laid eyes on this ubiquitous flower, with petals like blond hair and centers like black eyes, this poem echoed in their hearts and brought about the name.
Originating from Mid and Eastern U.S., Black-Eyed Susans are present now in almost every state and are even the state flower of Maryland. The Preakness Stakes horse race in Baltimore, Maryland is also called the Run for the Black-Eyed Susans because the winning racehorse gets awarded with a flower tapestry supposedly made of Black-Eyed Susans draped on the neck.
In reality, however, the flowers used to make the tapestry are not Black-Eyed Susans, but Viking Poms — a relative in the composite family. Because Black-Eyed Susans have not bloomed by May when the race takes place, the nearly identical Viking Poms step in as the perfect substitute.
These days, there is an indoor liana available in the European and U.S. markets called Black-Eyed Susan Vine. Despite the similar name, it is not related to Black-Eyed Susan at all.
Black-Eyed Susan Vine originates from Northern Africa and is a perennial climbing plant in the Thunbergia genus. The namesake is probably a result of its color combination, which is similar to Black-Eyed Susan with bright yellow flowers that have dark centers. Thanks to the fame of its namesake, Black-Eyed Susan Vine is more widely known and likely has higher sales than it would otherwise have.
Black-Eyed Susans are not only a pivotal addition to landscaping of various styles but also highly effective at luring many butterflies and bees. Their seeds are also many birds’ favorite food. The plants bring dynamics to your garden and form a more poised ecosystem.
Black-Eyed Susans are hardy, drought-enduring, and don’t require particular fertilizing. Abundant sunlight and soil with good drainage should help them grow better. They are likely to develop powdery mildew in a humid environment, but broad sunlight blazing and regular pruning of thick leaves should improve ventilation and reduce the chance of diseases.
Additionally, Black-Eyed Susans are extremely good at natural seeding. Unless you want them to propagate into a large colony, it’s best to pinch the flower heads before the seeds mature. Regular grooming of the flowers also helps the shrubs to blossom longer.
Size: 30-100 cm (12-40 inches) tall by 30-45 cm (12-18 inches) wide
Hardiness: USDA Hardiness Zones 4-9
Sunlight: Full sun
Soil: Moist to dry, well-drained soils
Bloom time: late summer and early fall