Black-eyed Susan Rudbeckia hirta 'Toto' (Toto Series)
ABOUT
The Toto Series Black-eyed Susan features a distinctive look that easily catches the eye. This plant is characterized by its bright yellow petals which radiate outward from a prominent, dark brown to black central cone. The shape of the petals is somewhat reminiscent of sunrays, as they are long, narrow, and slightly reflexed. The petals have a rich, golden hue that creates a striking contrast against the dark central disc. The leaves of the Toto Series Black-eyed Susan are dark green, with a rough, hairy texture that gives the plant it's slightly rough feel to the touch. These leaves grow in an oblong shape, with edges that can be either entire or slightly toothed. As a part of the Toto Series, this Black-eyed Susan variant generally produces multiple flower heads, each held aloft on a separate stem branching off from the main stalk of the plant. The blooms tend to form a visual canopy of color that is particularly attractive to pollinators like bees and butterflies. Even after the petals fade, the conical centers maintain their visual interest and can add texture to the garden. The overall look of the Toto Series Black-eyed Susan is one of brightness and cheerfulness. Its golden-yellow flowers are a common sight in gardens designed for bold color and are often associated with the warmth and energy of the summer months when the plant is in full bloom.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
Black-Eyed Susan, Gloriosa Daisy, Brown-Eyed Susan, Yellow Oxeye Daisy, Golden Jerusalem.
Common names
Rudbeckia hirta 'Toto'
ToxicityTo humans
Black-Eyed Susan is not known for being highly toxic to humans. However, some people may experience mild irritation or an allergic reaction if they have sensitive skin and come into contact with the plant's sap. Ingestion is not typically associated with severe poisoning, but it could potentially cause gastrointestinal discomfort or irritation in sensitive individuals. There are no widely reported severe symptoms of poisoning in humans due to ingestion of Black-Eyed Susan.
To pets
Black-Eyed Susan is generally considered to have low toxicity to pets, but it may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested in large amounts. Symptoms of poisoning in pets can include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy. It is always best to keep an eye on your pets and prevent them from eating large quantities of any plant material, including Black-Eyed Susan, as individual animals may have different sensitivities or allergic reactions.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Biennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-7
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Wildlife: Rudbeckia hirta 'Toto' is known to draw in bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators to the garden, enhancing pollination.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, this variety exhibits good drought resistance, requiring less watering.
- Easy to Grow: Toto Series is not demanding and adapts well to a variety of soil conditions, making it suitable for novice gardeners.
- Long Blooming: It has a lengthy bloom period from early summer to fall, providing consistent color in the landscape.
- Low Maintenance: This plant requires minimal care once established, making it ideal for low-maintenance gardens.
- Compact Size: Toto Series' compact growth habit makes it suitable for smaller gardens, borders, and container planting.
- Versatile Use: Black-eyed Susan is great for cut flower arrangements, offering bright and cheerful blooms.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural dye: The bright flowers of the Black-eyed Susan can be used to produce a natural yellow to orange dye for fabrics or crafts.
- Dried flower crafts: The seed heads and flowers can be dried and used in floral arrangements or to create wreaths and other dried flower crafts.
- Natural pest deterrent: Planting Black-eyed Susan can help deter certain pests, as it's believed some insects avoid the plant.
- Photography subject: With its striking appearance, Black-eyed Susan is a popular subject for photographers and nature artists.
- Educational tool: This plant can be a part of ecological and botanical studies, teaching about pollination and native plant gardening.
- Soil erosion control: The plant’s extensive root system can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion.
- Wildlife shelter: The dense foliage provides shelter for small wildlife, creating a microhabitat within gardens.
- Biodegradable plant markers: Dried stems can be cut and used as natural biodegradable markers in gardens.
- Themes in literature and art: The Black-eyed Susan is often used as a motif or symbol in poetry, stories, and artwork to represent innocence or a connection to nature.
- Companion planting: Black-eyed Susan can be planted alongside vegetables as part of a companion planting strategy to enhance garden health and aesthetics.
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- Optimism and Positivity: The bright yellow petals and dark brown central cones of the Black-eyed Susan are often associated with happiness, encouraging a positive outlook and sunny disposition.
- Justice: In some folklore, the Black-eyed Susan represents justice, likely due to its bold and eye-catching appearance that stands out in a natural setting.
- Encouragement and Motivation: Given its ability to grow in tough conditions, the Black-eyed Susan symbolizes motivation and the encouragement to persevere through challenges.
- Good Fortune: The flower's radiant appearance is sometimes thought to bring good luck, making it a symbol for good fortune and success.
- Adaptability: As a plant that adjusts well to various environments, the Black-eyed Susan represents flexibility and the ability to thrive in diverse situations.
WaterBlack-eyed Susans should be watered regularly, especially during dry spells. It is best to water these plants at the base rather than overhead to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases. They typically need about an inch of water per week, either from rainfall or supplemental watering. In the hotter summer months, you may need to water twice a week to maintain consistent soil moisture, whereas less frequent watering may be required during cooler periods. Always check the top inch of soil before watering—if it's dry, it's time to water, using about a gallon per plant each time.
LightBlack-eyed Susans thrive in full sun, which means they require a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight each day. An optimal spot would be in an area that receives unfiltered, full sunlight throughout the day. However, they can tolerate partial shade, especially in hot climates where they benefit from protection during the peak afternoon heat.
TemperatureBlack-eyed Susans prefer moderate temperatures and can generally survive in USDA hardiness zones 3 through 7. They can withstand minimum temperatures down to about -30°F and maximum temperatures up to about 100°F, but they really thrive when temperatures range between 70°F and 75°F.
PruningPruning Black-eyed Susans can help to promote bushier growth and prevent the spread of disease. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, encourages more blooms and should be done regularly throughout the blooming season. In the fall, after flowering has finished, plants can be cut back to a few inches above the ground. This helps to tidy up the plant and prepare it for winter.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBlack-eyed Susan thrives in a well-draining soil mix amended with organic matter. A blend of garden soil, peat, perlite, and compost is ideal, promoting healthy growth and drainage. It prefers a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
RepottingBlack-eyed Susans generally do not need to be repotted often, as they are perennial plants. Repotting is usually done every 3-4 years or when the plant appears to be outgrowing its current container.
Humidity & MistingBlack-eyed Susan is tolerant of a range of humidity levels and does not require specific humidity conditions to thrive, as it is quite adaptable to typical outdoor humidity levels.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright light, water when soil feels dry.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil; water regularly.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Rudbeckia hirta 'Toto', commonly known as Black-eyed Susan, begins with seed germination, typically in late winter to early spring when temperatures are conducive to growth. The plant then develops a rosette of leaves at the soil surface as it enters its vegetative stage. As the growing season progresses, stems elongate, and foliage increases, followed by the budding stage where flower heads begin to form. Full bloom occurs in the summer, with the distinctive yellow petals and dark brown central cones attracting pollinators. After pollination, seeds develop in the cone, and the plant enters senescence toward the end of the growing season. Finally, seeds are dispersed from the mature cones to begin a new cycle, although individual Toto plants may perform as biennials or short-lived perennials, sometimes persisting for more than one season if conditions are favorable.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating the Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta 'Toto') is by seed. Ideally, you would sow the seeds directly into the soil in the fall, as the cold winter months help to break the seed's dormancy. However, for controlled germination, you can start seeds indoors about 6 to 8 weeks before the last expected frost. Sow the seeds in a seed starting mix, lightly covering them with soil as they require light to germinate. Keep the soil moist but not soaked, and maintain a temperature around 70°F (21°C). Seedlings usually emerge in 7 to 30 days. Once the danger of frost has passed and the seedlings have grown strong enough, transplant them to their final location in the garden space.
