Black-eyed Susans are a classic backyard flower known for their bright yellow petals and dark centers. They are easy to grow, extremely hardy, and bloom for a long period from summer into fall.
Black-eyed Susans thrive in sunny locations, attract pollinators, and require very little maintenance once established. From tall, bold varieties to compact plants for small spaces, these are the most popular types of Black-eyed Susans to grow in your backyard.
1. Common Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
The common Black-eyed Susan is the most widely grown variety and a staple in backyard gardens. It features bright yellow petals surrounding a dark brown center and blooms from early summer into fall. This variety is very hardy, drought-tolerant once established, and thrives in full sun with minimal care.
2. Goldsturm Black-Eyed Susan
Goldsturm is one of the most popular perennial Black-eyed Susan varieties. It produces masses of golden-yellow flowers on sturdy stems and blooms reliably year after year. This variety is prized for its long bloom time and strong garden performance.
3. Indian Summer Black-Eyed Susan
Indian Summer Black-eyed Susans are known for their oversized blooms and bold appearance. They grow taller than many other varieties and make excellent focal plants in garden beds. This variety thrives in full sun and handles heat very well.
4. Sun Black-Eyed Susan
Autumn Sun Black-eyed Susans feature large, bright yellow blooms that resemble sunflowers. They bloom later in the season, helping extend color into early fall. This variety is ideal for adding height and drama to backyard gardens.
5. Prairie Sun Black-Eyed Susan
Prairie Sun Black-eyed Susans have soft yellow petals with a greenish center that darkens over time. They offer a slightly more delicate look than traditional varieties. This variety is easy to grow, heat-tolerant, and works well in mixed garden beds.
6. Little Goldstar Black-Eyed Susan
Little Goldstar is a compact version of Goldsturm, producing the same bright yellow flowers on shorter plants. It’s perfect for small gardens, borders, and front-of-bed plantings. This variety blooms heavily and keeps a neat shape without much maintenance.
7. Denver Daisy
Denver Daisy is a popular Black-eyed Susan variety with bold yellow petals and a distinctive dark center ring. It blooms from midsummer into fall and grows well in full sun. This variety adds strong color contrast and works well in mixed perennial beds.
8. Cherokee Sunset Black-Eyed Susan
Cherokee Sunset produces large, double blooms in warm shades of yellow, orange, and bronze. It adds a rich, fall-inspired look to the garden and blooms for an extended period. This variety is great for gardeners who want something more dramatic than classic yellow flowers.
9. Toto Black-Eyed Susan
Toto Black-eyed Susans are dwarf plants that stay compact while producing plenty of blooms. They are ideal for containers, edging, and small garden spaces. This variety is easy to grow and blooms reliably throughout the summer.
10. Goldquelle Black-Eyed Susan
Goldquelle Black-eyed Susans feature double, pom-pom-like flowers with a full, rounded appearance. They offer a unique look compared to traditional single-petal varieties. This variety works well as a standout plant in backyard flower beds.
11. Early Bird Gold Black-Eyed Susan
Early Bird Gold is known for blooming earlier than most Black-Eyed Susan varieties. It produces bright yellow flowers with dark centers and has a long flowering season. This variety is great for gardeners who want early summer color that lasts.
12. Cherry Brandy Black-Eyed Susan
Cherry Brandy Black-Eyed Susans stand out with deep red, wine-colored petals and a dark center. They add rich, dramatic color to backyard gardens and look great mixed with yellow or orange flowers. This variety prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
13. Maya Black-Eyed Susan
Maya Black-Eyed Susans feature fully double, bright yellow blooms that resemble small sunflowers. They provide a fuller, more textured look in garden beds. This variety is easy to grow and works well as a focal plant.
14. Viette’s Little Suzy Black-Eyed Susan
Viette’s Little Suzy is a compact perennial with classic yellow blooms and dark centers. It stays neat and tidy, making it ideal for borders and smaller garden spaces. This variety is hardy and blooms reliably each year.
15. American Gold Rush Black-Eyed Susan
American Gold Rush is a modern variety bred for excellent disease resistance and strong garden performance. It produces masses of bright yellow flowers over a long season. This variety is perfect for low-maintenance and pollinator-friendly gardens.
Jamie is the founder of The Backyard Pros. When he was 15 years old he started working at a garden centre helping people buy plants, gardening products, and lawn care products. He has real estate experience and he is a home owner. Jamie loves backyard projects, refinishing furniture, and enjoys sharing his knowledge online.