Black-eyed Susans in bloom

Black-eyed Susan flowers are blooming. The botanical name of the plants on lower Bell Street is Rudbeckia hirta, or “Indian Summer.” It is a short-lived perennial, but self seeds so freely that plants will appear the following year.
As shown in the photograph, its height will be about two feet and the spread about one foot. It can be grown in most soils except soil that is poorly drained and stays wet. It does best in moist soil but is fairly drought-tolerant once it is established. 
“Indian Summer” can be grown from seed, however it takes about four months after planting before it reaches maturity. The plant may also be purchased in containers from garden centers. They should be planted in full sun. In our area that means at least six hours of sun.
Bloom time lasts all summer and into the fall. More blooms are encouraged if spent flowers are removed. Removing spent blooms before they drop seeds will also reduce the number of seedling plants.
A more reliable perennial of this family is Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii “Goldsturm.” This is a true perennial that was named Perennial of the Year in 1999.  “Goldsturm” translates from German to “gold storm.” It spreads from rhizomes and also self seeds. Its petals are more elongated than “Indian Summer” and the color is more golden. Both plants are members of the coneflower group.
Both varieties bloom from early summer to frost and are great additions to the landscape.