Black-eyed Susan Rudbeckia hirta 'Cappuccino'
ABOUT
Rudbeckia hirta 'Cappuccino', commonly known as Black-eyed Susan 'Cappuccino', is an eye-catching flowering plant that exhibits warm tones of red, bronze, and yellow. The flowers are a standout feature, characterized by their distinctive daisy-like appearance, with a central dark brown to black cone-shaped disc that is surrounded by petals. These petals are not uniformly colored; instead, they present a rich gradient that starts with deep red or bronze at the base, blending into shades of burnt orange, and eventually transitioning to a cheerful yellow at the tips. The overall look of the blossoms is reminiscent of the frothy, inviting layers of a cappuccino, where the darkness of the coffee is softened by the addition of steamed milk. The foliage of the Black-eyed Susan 'Cappuccino' forms a lush backdrop for the vivid blooms, with leaves that are typically deep green, lance-shaped, and with a slightly hairy texture that gives the plant its down-to-earth ruggedness. The leaves are arranged alternately along the stems, creating a pleasing texture and contrast that further accentuates the brightness of the flowers. This plant typically blooms through the summer months, offering a long-lasting display that can light up any garden space with its warm, inviting colors.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
Black-Eyed Susan, Gloriosa Daisy, Yellow Ox-Eye Daisy, Brown-Eyed Susan, Brown Betty, Golden Jerusalem, Poorland Daisy, Yellow Daisy, English Bull's Eye.
Common names
Rudbeckia hirta.
ToxicityTo humans
The Black-eyed Susan generally is not considered highly toxic to humans. However, ingesting parts of the plant, especially in significant amounts, could potentially cause mild upset stomach, nausea, or an allergic reaction in some individuals. It's always best to handle plants with care and avoid ingesting them unless they are known to be edible. If someone does eat parts of a Black-eyed Susan plant and experiences adverse effects, seeking medical attention is advised.
To pets
The Black-eyed Susan is considered to be relatively low in toxicity to pets such as dogs and cats. If a pet ingests part of the plant, they may experience mild gastrointestinal upset, as evidenced by symptoms like drooling, vomiting, or diarrhea. It's always prudent to monitor your pet for any signs of discomfort after ingestion of plant material and consult with a veterinarian if symptoms persist or worsen.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Biennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Rudbeckia hirta 'Cappuccino', commonly known as Black-eyed Susan, draws bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting biodiversity.
- Easy to Grow: It is a hardy plant that thrives in a range of conditions, making it suitable for novice gardeners.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Black-eyed Susans are quite drought-resistant, requiring minimal watering.
- Long Blooming Season: They provide a continuous display of flowers from early summer to fall, adding long-lasting color to gardens.
- Cut Flower Use: Their vibrant blooms are excellent for creating attractive bouquets and floral arrangements.
- Wildlife Habitat: The plant offers shelter and food resources for wildlife, particularly birds who feed on its seeds in the fall and winter.
- Landscape Versatility: These flowers can be used in a variety of garden designs, from borders to containers or as groundcover.
- Low Maintenance: Rudbeckia hirta 'Cappuccino' requires minimal care once established, needing only occasional deadheading to promote further blooming.
- Deer Resistance: They are relatively resistant to deer, which makes them suitable for gardens in areas with high deer populations.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dye Production: The vibrant colors of the Black-eyed Susan can be used natural dyes for fabrics or inks, providing a range of warm, earthy tones.
- Wildlife Habitat: Black-eyed Susan can contribute to creating habitats by offering shelter and food sources to insects and small animals within an ecosystem.
- Educational Tool: It can be used in schools or educational programs as an example of plant biology and pollination, facilitating hands-on learning.
- Artistic Inspiration: The distinct appearance of Black-eyed Susan can inspire artists and photographers, who may use the flowers as subjects in their work.
- Garden Borders: These plants can be used to create visually appealing borders in gardens, as they grow to form dense clumps.
- Erosion Control: Due to their extensive root system, Black-eyed Susans can be utilized to stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes or in areas with loose soil.
- Crafting: Dried flowers and seed heads of the Black-eyed Susan can be used in floral arrangements, wreaths, and other crafts.
- Eco-friendly Confetti: Dried petals can serve as a biodegradable alternative to traditional confetti for outdoor celebrations.
- Companion Planting: Black-eyed Susan can be planted alongside vegetable crops to attract beneficial insects that can aid in pest control.
- Seed Harvesting: The seeds of Black-eyed Susan make for a rewarding project for gardeners, who can collect and propagate them to grow new plants.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Black-eyed Susan is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Black-eyed Susan is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Justice: The Rudbeckia hirta, commonly known as Black-eyed Susan, is often seen as a symbol for justice, likely due to its assertive presence and bold colors which convey fairness and truth.
- Encouragement: With its bright yellow petals radiating around a dark center, Black-eyed Susans represent encouragement and motivation, making them perfect for giving to someone embarking on a new venture or needing a boost of positivity.
- Brightness and Cheer: The cheerful appearance of Black-eyed Susans is synonymous with happiness and light, lifting the spirits of anyone who encounters the flower.
- Survival: Known for its hardiness and ability to thrive in a variety of conditions, Black-eyed Susan symbolizes strength and the ability to survive adversity.
- Optimism: As a plant that grows abundantly in the wild and attracts bees and butterflies, Black-eyed Susans symbolize hope and optimism for the future.
WaterThe Black-eyed Susan should be watered regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, provide about one inch of water per week, either from rainfall or supplemental watering. Water deeply and directly at the base of the plant to encourage root growth. In hot, dry periods, you may need to water twice a week, while during cooler, rainier seasons, water less frequently. Always adjust your watering routine according to the weather conditions and the soil's moisture level.
LightBlack-eyed Susans thrive in full sunlight, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight per day for optimum growth. They can also tolerate partial shade, especially in hotter climates, but too much shade can reduce flowering and cause leggy growth. A spot that receives morning sunlight and partial afternoon shade is suitable in areas with intense summer heat.
TemperatureThe ideal temperature range for Black-eyed Susans is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate temperatures as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit for short periods, making them suitable for growing in a variety of climates. High temperatures above 80 degrees Fahrenheit may stress the plant, so it's best to provide some afternoon shade during the hottest part of the day in warmer regions.
PruningBlack-eyed Susans benefit from deadheading, or the removal of spent flowers, to encourage continuous blooming throughout the season. Pruning can be done any time flowers fade, but it's best to prune significantly after the first frost in fall to clean up the plant and prepare it for winter. These plants can also be cut back to a few inches above the ground in late winter or early spring to promote vigorous, fresh growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBlack-eyed Susan 'Cappuccino' thrives in a soil mix that is well-draining and rich in organic matter, with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. A high-quality potting mix combined with compost and a handful of perlite or coarse sand will provide the ideal growing conditions for this plant.
RepottingBlack-eyed Susans generally do not need to be repotted often, as they are quite adaptable to their environment. However, you can repot every 2-3 years or when you notice the plant has outgrown its current container.
Humidity & MistingBlack-eyed Susan 'Cappuccino' is versatile and does not require high humidity; it will thrive in average ambient humidity levels typically found outdoors. Avoid creating overly humid conditions as it may encourage fungal diseases.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Keep in bright light, well-draining soil, not too wet.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-draining soil, deadhead to encourage blooms.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Black-eyed Susan 'Cappuccino' begins with seed germination, which typically occurs in spring when soil temperatures warm up. The seeds develop into seedlings, which gradually mature into rosettes with hairy, lance-shaped leaves. The plant undergoes vegetative growth, where it becomes bushier and produces more foliage. By mid to late summer, it reaches the flowering stage, during which the characteristic chocolate-brown to reddish-orange blooms with a dark center disk appear, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. After pollination, the flowers produce seeds, which are dispersed by wind or wildlife, allowing the plant to spread. As winter approaches, the plant may enter dormancy or die back, completing its annual cycle, although it can behave as a short-lived perennial in some climates.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Summer
Propogation: Rudbeckia hirta 'Cappuccino', commonly known as the Black-eyed Susan, is most effectively propagated through seed. The ideal time to sow seeds is in late winter to early spring, when temperatures support germination—usually when soil temperatures reach around 70 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 21 degrees Celsius). Sowing seeds can be done directly in the garden where they are to bloom or started indoors in seed trays filled with well-draining soil. If starting indoors, seeds should be lightly covered with soil and kept moist until germination, which typically occurs within 7 to 30 days. Once seedlings have developed several true leaves and there is no longer a risk of frost, they can be transplanted outdoors, spaced about 18 inches (45 centimeters) apart to give each plant enough room to grow.
