Deam’s Black Eyed Susan

Deam’s Black Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida v. deamii), also known as Deam’s Coneflower, is an outstanding wildflower that blooms in mid-summer with a profusion of large, golden-orange flower petals surrounding a black center cone. Native to a few states in the Midwest (Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio), this perennial thrives in all soil types, including clay, and loves lots of sun. Deam’s Black Eyed Susan is vigorous and pest resistant.  In the hot humid south, however, plants need good air circulation and occasional division to discourage foliar diseases. It has even been recognized by European gardeners, and received the Royal Horticultural Society’s prestigious Award of Garden Merit in 1993. Deadheading can extend the bloom time, but leave flowers standing to provide seed heads for songbirds. Native bees, butterflies, and other pollinators are attracted to the flowers. Other perennials that make good companions for Deam’s Coneflower include native ornamental grasses like Prairie Switchgrass (Panicum) and ‘Blonde Ambition’ Grama Grass, as well as Prairie Sage (Salvia azurea), and Poppy Mallow (Callirhoe).