Blog

Black-Eyed Susans, also known as “Rudbeckia hirta,” are a beautiful and hardy perennial flower that can add a pop of color to any garden. 

But like all living things, they need the right amount of water to thrive. In this guide, we’ll break down the science of watering your Black-Eyed Susans so you can give them the hydration they need without drowning them.

What are Black-Eyed Susans?

Black-Eyed Susans, also known as Rudbeckia hirta, are a type of wildflower that are native to North America. They are part of the aster family and are known for their bright yellow petals and dark brown or black center. 

These flowers can grow up to 2-3 feet tall and have a diameter of 2-3 inches. They typically bloom from late summer to early fall and can be found in a variety of habitats, including fields, meadows, and roadsides.

The Importance of Soil for Baclk Eyed Susans

When it comes to watering your Black-Eyed Susans, the type of soil you have is key. These flowers prefer well-draining soil that’s not too heavy on clay or sand. If your soil is heavy or doesn’t drain well, you’ll need to water less frequently. 

But, if your soil is sandy or has a lot of organic matter, you’ll need to water more frequently. To test your soil, take a handful and squeeze it. If it doesn’t form a ball and crumbles easily, it’s well-draining. If it forms a tight ball, it’s heavy and doesn’t drain well.

The Role of Temperature

Temperature also plays a role in how often you should water your Black-Eyed Susans. In general, warm temperatures will cause the soil to dry out faster and require more frequent watering. 

On the other hand, cooler temperatures will cause the soil to retain moisture for longer and require less frequent watering. So, if you live in a hot and dry climate, you’ll need to water your Black-Eyed Susans more often than if you live in a cooler and wetter climate.

The Importance of Mulch

Mulch is a gardener’s best friend when it comes to watering. A layer of mulch on top of the soil helps to retain moisture and reduce evaporation. 

This means that you’ll need to water less frequently when you have mulch on your Black-Eyed Susans. So, if you want to save water and make your life easier, make sure to add a layer of mulch to your garden.

How Often To Water Black Eyed Susans? 

So, now that you know the importance of soil, temperature, and mulch, you’re probably wondering how often you should water your Black-Eyed Susans. The answer is not cut and dry, but rather a bit of a “Goldilocks” situation. 

You don’t want to water them too little, but you also don’t want to water them too much. A general rule of thumb is to water your Black-Eyed Susans once a week, but you’ll need to adjust based on the factors we discussed earlier.

The “Watering Test”

To test if your Black-Eyed Susans need water, stick your finger about an inch into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. If it feels damp, you can hold off for a bit longer. And if it feels wet, you’ve probably been watering too much and should cut back.

Caring for Black Eyed Susans

Black-Eyed Susans are known for being easy to care for, making them the perfect addition to any garden. 

They prefer full sun and well-drained soil, but can also tolerate partial shade. They are drought-tolerant and can handle a variety of soil types. Once they are established, they will continue to come back year after year.

To keep your Black-Eyed Susans looking their best, make sure to deadhead them regularly (removing the dead flowers) to encourage more blooms. 

If you want to propagate them, you can easily do so by dividing the clumps in the fall or by taking stem cuttings in the summer.

Uses of Black Eyed Susans

Black-Eyed Susans are a versatile flower that can be used in a variety of ways. They are great for cutting gardens, meadows, and naturalized areas. 

They are also popular as a cut flower and can be dried for use in dried flower arrangements. They are also great for attracting butterflies, bees, and other pollinators to your garden.

Facts about Black-Eyed Susans

-The name “Black-Eyed Susan” comes from a traditional English folk song, where the flower is a symbol of a woman who is true to her love.

-Black-Eyed Susans are the state flower of Maryland.

-The seeds of the flower can be used to make a coffee-like beverage.

-Black-Eyed Susans are considered a “short-lived perennial” meaning it will live for 2-3 years but will reseed itself.

-The flowers are edible and can be used in salads or as a garnish.

Cultural Significance of Black Eyed Susans

In terms of cultural significance, the Black Eyed Susan is the state flower of Maryland, and it has been used as a symbol in many different contexts. 

For example, it has been featured in literature, such as the poem “Black-Eyed Susan” by John Gay, and it was used as a symbol of the state of Maryland in the War of 1812. The plant is also a symbol of unity and good luck, and it is often used in wedding bouquets and as a decorative accent in gardens.

Final Thoughts on Watering Black Eyed Susans!

That’s end to the guide on how often one must water their black eyed susans. Let me know in the comments how often do you water your black eyed susans?