Black-eyed Susan Rudbeckia fulgida Viette's Little Suzy = 'Blovi'
ABOUT
Viette's Little Suzy, a delightful plant known for its ornamental value, has a striking appearance that adds a pop of color to any garden setting. The plant features a clump of bright green leaves that form a lush backdrop for its showy flowers. These leaves are generally oblong to lance-shaped and have a slightly rough texture that adds to their rustic charm. The most eye-catching aspect of Viette's Little Suzy is its flowers. The blooms are daisy-like with a prominent central cone that is usually a deep brown or almost black, which contrast vividly against the golden-yellow petals that radiate around it. The petals are typically long and slightly reflexed, contributing to the plant's overall cheerful appearance. The central cone of the flowers is not only a visual highlight but also attracts a variety of pollinators to the garden, including bees and butterflies. As these creatures visit the blooms, the cones may become even more pronounced, giving the impression of a miniature hill adorned with a crown of vivid petals. Viette's Little Suzy blooms generously, especially in the summer and early fall, creating a lengthy display of color. The flowers are borne on sturdy stems that rise above the foliage, ensuring that the blooms are highly visible and can be appreciated from a distance. Overall, Viette's Little Suzy presents a compact and bright display of richly colored flowers and lush foliage that can enliven any space with its sunny disposition. Its ability to bloom for an extended period makes it a popular choice for gardeners looking to maintain long-lasting visual interest in their outdoor spaces.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
Black-Eyed Susan, Gloriosa Daisy, Yellow Ox-Eye Daisy, Orange Coneflower, Goldsturm.
Common names
Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii 'Blovi'
ToxicityTo humans
Black-eyed Susan is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no well-known toxic effects from ingesting this plant. However, it is always advisable to avoid eating ornamental plants due to potential individual allergies or stomach upset.
To pets
Black-eyed Susan is also considered non-toxic to pets. It should not cause any serious symptoms of poisoning if ingested by pets. However, as with humans, consuming plant material may sometimes lead to mild gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea, especially in pets with sensitive stomachs or those that are not accustomed to eating plant matter.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
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
4-9
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive to Pollinators: The bright yellow flowers of Black-eyed Susan attract butterflies and bees, which help pollinate nearby plants.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Black-eyed Susan is quite drought-resistant, making it suitable for xeriscaping or low-water gardens.
- Low Maintenance: This perennial requires minimal care once established, making it perfect for gardeners seeking low-maintenance options.
- Long Blooming Period: Black-eyed Susan provides vibrant yellow blooms from mid-summer to early fall, adding long-lasting color to gardens.
- Wildlife Friendly: The plant provides nectar for pollinators and its seeds in the fall can serve as food for birds.
- Erosion Control: The plant's root system helps to stabilize soil and can prevent erosion on slopes or in areas with loose soil.
- Adaptable Growth: It can thrive in a variety of soil types and is relatively resistant to pests and diseases.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Black-eyed Susan adds visual interest to any garden, with its characteristic dark brown center and bright petals adding contrast and warmth.
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 flowers and seed heads of Black-Eyed Susan can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics, yielding colors such as yellow, green, or brown depending on the mordant used.
- Photography: Black-Eyed Susans are often used as a subject in macro and nature photography due to their vibrant colors and the contrast between the bright yellow petals and dark center.
- Art and Crafts: Pressed flowers from Black-Eyed Susan can be used for decorative crafts, such as creating bookmarks, greeting cards, or decoupage projects.
- Educational Tool: Used in schools to teach children about plant biology, the lifecycle of a plant, and the importance of pollinators in gardens.
- Livestock Feed: Although not common, the foliage can be used as emergency forage for livestock when other resources are scarce.
- Theme Gardens: Black-Eyed Susan fits well into themed gardens, like a 'prairie garden' or 'yellow garden', providing thematic consistency.
- Eco-Friendly Confetti: Dried petals of Black-Eyed Susan can be used as a biodegradable confetti alternative for outdoor celebrations.
- Garden Border Edging: Their compact growth habit makes Black-Eyed Susan a good choice for creating defined lines and borders in garden design.
- Ikebana: The Japanese art of flower arranging, known as Ikebana, can incorporate the stems and flowers of Black-Eyed Susan to add color and diversity to arrangements.
- Wildlife Habitat: Planting Black-Eyed Susans can create a habitat to attract and support beneficial wildlife such as butterflies, bees, and other pollinators in your garden.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiBlack-eyed Susan is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityBlack-eyed Susan is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Optimism: Often associated with the sunflower family, which Rudbeckia is a part of, this plant symbolizes optimism due to its bright and sunny appearance.
- Longevity: The hearty and robust nature of the Black-eyed Susan suggests endurance and the ability to withstand adversity, leading to its representation of a long and happy life.
- Justice: In some folklore, the Black-eyed Susan is a symbol of justice, perhaps due to its consistent and bold presence.
- Happiness: With its vibrant yellow petals, the Black-eyed Susan is reminiscent of a sunny day and is often tied to feelings of joy and contentment.
- Encouragement and Motivation: Because of its association with positivity and brightness, giving someone this flower can be seen as a way to encourage them or motivate them through tough times.
WaterBlack-eyed Susans should be watered thoroughly once a week, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Depending on the weather conditions, this may equate to approximately 1 inch of water each week. Water the plant at the base to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases. During prolonged dry spells or extreme heat, increase the frequency to twice per week. For potted plants, ensure excess water can drain to prevent root rot. Use a watering can or hose with a gentle nozzle to evenly distribute the water around the plant.
LightBlack-eyed Susans thrive best in full sunlight, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to flower profusely. They can tolerate partial shade, but flowering may be reduced. The ideal spot for these hardy perennials is an area that receives morning sunlight and afternoon shade, particularly in hotter climates, to protect them from the intense late-day sun.
TemperatureBlack-eyed Susans are quite hardy and can tolerate a wide temperature range, from as low as -30°F to highs of around 90°F. The ideal temperature conditions for optimal growth are between 70°F and 75°F. They can survive brief periods of higher temperatures but may require additional watering during heat waves to keep the soil cool and moist.
PruningPruning black-eyed Susans is beneficial for promoting bushier growth and more blooms. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming throughout the summer and into fall. Cut back the plants to about 4 inches after the first killing frost in the fall or in early spring before new growth begins. Pruning during these times helps to maintain plant health and vigor.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBlack-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida 'Viette's Little Suzy') thrives in well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. A mix of garden soil, compost, and a bit of sand is ideal to facilitate drainage. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging between 6.0 and 7.0 for optimal growth.
RepottingBlack-eyed Susans typically don't require frequent repotting as they are perennial and can be left in the same spot for several years. However, if they outgrow their space or the soil becomes depleted, repotting every 3-4 years can be considered.
Humidity & MistingBlack-eyed Susan is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does not require any specific humidity conditions, making it suitable for most garden environments without any special humidity adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, good airflow, and regular watering.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-draining soil, water when dry, deadhead.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleRudbeckia fulgida 'Viette's Little Suzy', commonly known as Black-eyed Susan, starts its life as a seed, typically sown in early spring after the last frost or in autumn before the ground freezes. Upon germination, the seedling emerges, developing true leaves and initiating a period of vegetative growth through which it will form a rosette of hairy, lance-shaped leaves. As it matures during the spring and summer, 'Viette's Little Suzy' starts to develop upright stems and the characteristic daisy-like, yellow flowers with a dark brown central cone, which typically bloom from mid-summer to early fall. After pollination, often by bees, butterflies, and other insects, the plant sets seeds in the cone-shaped centers of the flowers as the petals wilt. These seeds can be dispersed by wind or wildlife, or collected for propagation. In winter, especially in colder climates, the plant dies back to the ground and enters dormancy, relying on its root system to survive until the next growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Black-eyed Susan, known scientifically as Rudbeckia fulgida 'Viette's Little Suzy', is commonly propagated through division, arguably the most popular method. The ideal time for dividing these perennials is in the spring or early fall when the plant is not in active bloom. To propagate by division, you would carefully dig up an established clump of Black-eyed Susan, ensuring to get a substantial amount of the root system. Once the clump is out, you can then gently tease or cut it apart into smaller sections, making sure each section has a good portion of roots attached. These divisions can then be replanted in well-draining soil, spaced approximately 18 inches (about 45 cm) apart to allow enough room for growth. Water the new plants well to help establish them. This method ensures a quick and effective way to create new plants that are true to the parent plant's characteristics.
