9 Great Rudbeckia Varieties

These two species are often confused with one another. The “brown-eyed” and “black-eyed” labels are sometimes used interchangeably to refer to any of the commonly grown Rudbeckia species and their cultivars—even those that have been bred to eliminate the dark flower centers. However, black-eyed Susans are larger and have more petals than brown-eyed Susans. There are some additional rudbeckia varieties that are also common garden plants. Asking for little beyond regular garden loam and a full day of sun, rudbeckia plants will bloom during the dog days of summer and beyond, attracting bees and butterflies with plentiful pollen and nectar offerings. Include a few rudbeckia plants in your cottage garden, let them grace your flowering containers, or install some of the rugged flowers beside your mailbox for a cheerful welcome.

Native Area: North AmericaUSDA Growing Zones: 3–7Height: 2–3 feetSun Exposure: Full sun

Native Area: North AmericaUSDA Growing Zones: 5–8Height: 30–36 inchesSun Exposure: Full sun

Native Area: North AmericaUSDA Growing Zones: 3–7Height: 12–18 inchesSun Exposure: Full sun

Native Area: North AmericaUSDA Growing Zones: 5–9Height: 27–31 inchesSun Exposure: Full sun

Native Area: North AmericaUSDA Growing Zones: 5–9Height: 24–30 inchesSun Exposure: Full sun

Native Area: North AmericaUSDA Growing Zones: 5–9Height: 1–2 feetSun Exposure: Full sun

Native Area: North AmericaUSDA Growing Zones: 4–8Height: 3–4 feetSun Exposure: Full sun

Native Area: North AmericaUSDA Growing Zones: 4–7Height: 1–2 feetSun Exposure: Full sun

Native Area: North AmericaUSDA Growing Zones: 4–9Height: 5–7 feetSun Exposure: Full sun