Black-Eyed Susan
The Black-Eyed Susan, 'Rudbeckia hirta', is the most drought tolerant of all the Rudbeckias. The beautiful 2 to 4 inch daisy like flowers are adorned with orange/yellow petals. Black-Eyed Susans bloom for a long time, at least 60 days. Even though grown as an annual, Black-Eyed Susan is technically a short-lived perennial and may come back for a second or third year. They reseed themselves for "naturalized" wildflower areas. Black-Eyed Susans bloom for about 8 weeks starting around mid summer. Black-Eyed susan have a slight preference for alkaline soils that are well drained. They are short lived and should be treated as an annual. Plant in early spring 3 to 4 weeks before the last average frost date. Black-Eyed Susan is excellent for wildflower patches. They provide good fall color; when many perennial and annual flowers are beginning to fade, the Black-Eyed Susan look great. ... additional info
Sunflower - False - Summer Sun The Sunflower False, Summer Sun, 'Heliopsis helianthoides', is a perennial sunflower that blooms all summer. It is easy an easy to grow addition to any perennial bed. The Summer Sun also makes a nice cut flower. The Sunflower False, Summer Sun, can be planted in the spring after the last average frost date. The Summer Sun would be an excellent addition to a wildflower patch or naturalized area receiving little or no care.
