Brown Eyed Susan

Brown Eyed Susan Plants | Rudbeckia Triloba

The Brown Eyed Susan is a lush, bush-like plant that give gardens beautiful greenery until finally flowering in its second year. Once established, it is a resilient, self seeding plant that takes hold for good in almost any climate. 

Its blossoms are a striking flower, characterized by their deep brown center and stunning golden petals. A profuse self seeder, it can potentially overwhelm small landscapes, but is a perfect addition to a native or prairie garden, surrounded by other prairie flowers.

Plant Details - Brown Eyed Susan Plants

Family: Asteraceae

Light Requirement: Full sun

Water Needs: Moderate

Height: 2 ft-5 ft

Spread: 2.5 ft

Growth Rate: Moderate-Rapid

Soil Preference: Moist, well drained

Bloom Time: Late summer - hard frost

Flower Color: Yellow

Notable Characteristics - Brown Eyed Susan Plants

The Brown Eyed Susan has a deep brown, cone shaped center that fades to light brown at the edges, surrounded by 8 golden petals. These plants are commonly mistaken for their siblings the Yellow Coneflower and the Black Eyed Susan, but can be identified by their oval, lobed petals, and their lanky, bush-like shape. 

The petals grow horizontally outward from the base of the cone center angling only slightly downward, making the flower face visible, even from across the garden. Its brown, slightly woody stems can grow up to 5 ft high with multiple branches that all end in a small, yellow blossom.

This flower is a captivating use of vertical space in your garden, as empty air becomes a sea of soft yellow blossoms.

Landscape and Maintenance of Brown Eyed Susan Plants

These American natives are commonly found from New York to Minnesota, and south to Utah and Texas, across the prairie landscape. The Brown Eyed Susan prefers moist, well drained soil and full sun, but is remarkably drought resistant, making it a hardy plant well suited for areas of mixed climate.

The golden blooms attract pollinating insects like bees, butterflies, wasps and flies, and also serve as the host plant for the larvae of some moth and butterfly species. It is a crucial part of a native ecosystem in any midwest, prairie climate, visually and biologically complimenting tall, native grasses and prairie wildflowers.

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How to Grow and Care for Bare Root Perennials, Tubers, and Bulbs

Bare root perennials, tubers, and bulbs are an easy and economical way to jumpstart your garden with lasting beauty. These dormant plants should be planted in early spring or fall while the soil is cool and workable. Before planting, soak bare roots in water for 1–2 hours to rehydrate them. Choose a location based on the plant’s light needs—most flowering types prefer full sun, while others thrive in partial shade.

For bare root perennials, dig a shallow hole and spread the roots out naturally, ensuring the crown is level with the soil surface. For tubers and bulbs, plant with the pointed side facing up at a depth about two to three times their height. Cover with soil, gently press down, and water thoroughly.

Keep soil consistently moist (not soggy) until new growth appears. Add mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds, but avoid covering the crown or bulb tops. Once established, these plants require little maintenance—just seasonal watering, occasional dividing, and deadheading or pruning as needed. With proper care, they’ll return and thrive year after year.

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