Sharing about native plants and their benefits to the environment is something we are so passionate about. We have an extensive amount of resources on our site to help people garden with native plants in the ground. In addition, we want to help encourage gardening with native plants in containers or pots.
We have grown a couple varieties of Black Eyed Susans from seed that we generally plant in the ground. We also have grown them from seed and kept them in pots to use for container gardening on our decks and porch areas.
The long bloom time and showy flowers of the Black Eyed Susan make it a great candidate for container gardening.
The 3 main factors that you will want to take into account to grow Black Eyed Susans in pots are:
We have ordered a variety of native flower seeds from Everwilde Farms, which you can order right from Amazon through our link on our RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS PAGE. (We may earn a small commission when you purchase through our links, at no cost to you. This helps support our website.)
So, if you follow my process below, you should be able to grow Black Eyed Susans in a container….Read on.
Black eyed susan (Rudbeckia hirta) is a gorgeous flowering plant native to North America. With its bright golden petals and dark brown centers, it adds a pop of color to any garden. This classic prairie plant is also easy to grow, even for beginners. Its low maintenance and drought tolerant nature make it ideal for potted culture.
When grown in a pot, black eyed susan forms a compact, bushy plant under 3 feet tall. It blooms nonstop from midsummer into fall with daisy-like flowers that attract bees, butterflies and other pollinators. A potted black eyed susan is perfect for decks, patios, and any sunny spot in your yard.
Choosing the Right Variety
There are over 20 different black eyed susan species. When selecting one for container growing look for a dwarf, compact cultivar. Some good options include
- Little Goldstar – Grows just 1-2 feet tall with prolific golden blooms.
- Goldsturm – The most popular variety. Reaches 2-3 feet tall with 3-4 inch flowers.
- Becky Orange – Newer variety known for nonstop blooms and 2 foot height.
You can also find varieties specifically bred for pots like the Super Hero or Prairie Sun series. Avoid large, floppy varieties that will topple over.
Providing the Right Pot, Soil and Site
Black eyed susans need a fairly large container, at least 12 inches wide but bigger is better. Choose a pot with multiple drainage holes to prevent soggy soil. Add gravel at the bottom for extra drainage if needed.
Use a quality potting mix, not garden soil which may be too heavy. Mix in some compost or worm castings to enrich it.
Site your black eyed susan pot in a spot with full sun – at least 6 hours of direct sun per day. Morning sun is ideal. Less light leads to fewer blooms.
Caring for Your Potted Plant
Caring for black eyed susans in containers is simple:
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Water whenever the top inch of soil becomes dry. Avoid letting the pot completely dry out.
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Apply liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season to replenish nutrients.
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Pinch or cut back leggy stems by 1/3 in early summer to encourage bushy growth.
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Deadhead spent blooms to promote more flowering.
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Cut plants back to 1-2 inches above soil in fall. Leave pots outdoors over winter.
Enjoying Months of Vibrant Color
One of the best aspects of growing black eyed susan in a pot is its incredibly long bloom period. With proper care, you’ll get flowers for 3-4 months straight! Deadheading extends blooming even longer.
Place your potted black eyed susans around seating areas and walkways to enjoy the golden blossoms up close. Combine them with other heat and drought tolerant potted plants like sedums, coneflowers and rudbeckias for a stunning display.
Even when not in bloom, black eyed susan provides interest. Its green foliage turns a warm orange hue in autumn. Pair it with pansies, ornamental kale and mums for fall appeal.
No matter the season, a potted black eyed susan adds easy color, texture and natural charm. A classic flower ready to beam sunshine on your patio or deck.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Growing black eyed susan in a container is relatively trouble-free. But here are some potential problems and how to address them:
Leggy growth – Plants not getting enough sun often stretch out. Pinch back stems to encourage bushy regrowth. Move pot to a sunnier area.
Few blooms – This also indicates too little sunlight. Relocate pot or prune back any overshadowing nearby plants.
Wilting – Check soil moisture and water if dry. Make sure pot has drainage. Move to a shadier spot if sun exposure is too intense.
Root rot – Cause is overly wet soil. Allow pot to dry out between waterings. Add gravel to improve drainage. Discard any rotten roots when repotting.
Pests – Aphids, spider mites and caterpillars may sometimes attack. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to treat.
Dieback – Remove dead stems just above the crown. Apply balanced fertilizer. Ensure pot isn’t waterlogged.
With the right growing conditions and care, black eyed susans will reward you with nonstop color in a pot. It’s one of the easiest native plants to add to your patio or garden.
Caring For Black-Eyed Susans in Planters
Plants growing in containers rely on the gardener for many of their care requirements: water, food, and winter care are the most important tasks for container maintenance. Read on to find out how to best meet these needs for Black-Eyed Susans.
PROCESS TO GROW BLACK EYED SUSANS IN POTS
Black Eyed Susans can be grown in containers. They should be grown in pots that are at least 1 gallon (4 L) or larger, and placed in a location that receives full sun.
Select a 1 gallon (4 L) or larger pot to grow your Black Eyed Susans in. The larger the container, the better for your Black Eyed Susans. They will be larger and produce more blooms.
Generally, you can expect most varieties of Black Eyed Susans to get between 1 to 3 feet tall. So, a large pot with some weight to it with help with stability. Gravel can help if your pot is lightweight.
If plan on purchasing a plant, skip the part below about growing from seed. However, make sure you read the section on what kind of ‘Rudbeckia’ you should grow in the container – it’s important.
Growing Black-eyed Susan in a Container
FAQ
Does black-eyed Susan do well in pots?
The larger perennials will do well in pots also, but the pots need to be even larger. The soil in pots can get colder than ground soil in the winter. In the coldest climates, it may be best to move them indoors in the winter, to keep the soil from freezing.
What to do with potted black-eyed Susans in the winter?
Black-Eyed Susan Winter Care in Pots
If the pot is sitting in water at any time, it should be either moved to another location or lifted up on bricks or pot feet. Black-Eyed Susans are hardy perennials that do not need to be brought into an unheated greenhouse or basement to survive the winter.
Will potted black-eyed Susans come back?
Yes, Black-Eyed Susans are typically perennial plants that can come back each year as long as they are planted in the appropriate growing conditions and provided with proper care. They are hardy in USDA zones 3-9 and can survive winter temperatures in those zones.
What size pot for black-eyed Susan Vine?
Pots with at least a 12-inch diameter will be fine for planting one Black-Eyed Susan Vine.Jul 31, 2022