When you think of a black-eyed Susan, what comes to mind? Most likely, a beautiful yellow flower with a dark center. But did you know that there is a stunning array of black-eyed Susan varieties available, each with its unique characteristics and charm?

In this comprehensive guide, we will introduce you to 17 of the best black-eyed Susan varieties that will add a pop of color and a touch of sunshine to your garden. From bold reds to vibrant oranges and even unique greens, these varieties will delight any gardener looking to enhance their outdoor space.

Before we dive into our list, let’s take a moment to appreciate the anatomy of a black-eyed Susan. Each flower head consists of ray florets, which are the colorful “petals” surrounding disk florets at the center. It’s these disk florets that give the flower its iconic “eye” appearance.

Now, let’s explore some of the most stunning black-eyed Susan varieties available:

1. Autumn Forest

The ‘Autumn Forest’ cultivar of Rudbeckia hirta features massive yellow, red, and mahogany flowers that can reach an impressive five inches across. With petals that transition from bright yellow to deep red and mahogany, this variety is a show-stopper in any garden. The thick stems of this plant can grow up to 24 inches tall, making it perfect for cut flower arrangements.

Create your own autumn forest with seeds from Eden Brothers.

2. Cappuccino

Relax and enjoy your garden with the ‘Cappuccino’ cultivar, featuring a mix of yellow, gold, orange, and mahogany flowers. This compact plant grows to about 18 inches tall and produces bright blooms from early summer through the fall. Winner of the Award of Garden Merit, this variety is drought-tolerant and excellent for cutting.

Indulge in ‘Cappuccino’ with plants from the Royal Horticultural Society.

3. Cherokee Sunset

Unlike other black-eyed Susans, the ‘Cherokee Sunset’ cultivar captures the colors of a summer sunset with its mahogany, red, orange, and yellow hues. This two-foot-tall plant blooms profusely from midsummer through fall, showcasing a stunning array of colors against dark blue-green foliage.

Experience the beauty of ‘Cherokee Sunset’ in your garden.

4. Cherry Brandy

For those who prefer red flowers, the ‘Cherry Brandy’ cultivar is a perfect choice. With crimson petals that fade to cherry red and a deep maroon-brown center, this variety adds a bold pop of color to any garden. Standing at 24 inches tall, ‘Cherry Brandy’ is ideal for smaller spaces and blooms from midsummer to fall.

Add a touch of sweetness with ‘Cherry Brandy’ from Nature Hills Nursery.

5. Double Golden Gloriosa

Featuring bright yellow, double blosssoms with a small black eye, the ‘Double Golden Gloriosa’ cultivar is a standout in any garden. With three-foot-tall stems and long-lasting blooms, this variety is perfect for cut flower displays that stay fresh for extended periods.

Bring the glory of ‘Double Golden Gloriosa’ to your garden with seeds from Eden Brothers.

6. Indian Summer

For a classic black-eyed Susan cultivar, ‘Indian Summer’ is a top choice. With oversized, semi-double blooms in golden hues, this four-foot-tall plant is a prolific bloomer that provides a stunning display throughout the summer.

Experience the award-winning beauty of ‘Indian Summer’ in your garden.

7. Irish Eyes

With bright green central disks surrounded by orange and lemon-yellow petals, the ‘Irish Eyes’ cultivar is a cheerful addition to any garden. Standing at 30 inches tall, this variety blooms profusely and is perfect for cuttings.

Let your garden smile with ‘Irish Eyes’ from Eden Brothers.

8. Glitters Like Gold

Capturing the promise of riches and good things to come, ‘Glitters Like Gold’ features long golden petals around a petite black eye. Resistant to fungal diseases, this 18-inch-tall plant is a prolific bloomer that adds a touch of elegance to any garden.

Find your pot of gold with ‘Glitters Like Gold’ from Nature Hills Nursery.

9. Goldilocks

For a unique twist on the classic black-eyed Susan, ‘Goldilocks’ features double flowers with curly, blonde ringlet-like petals. Growing up to four feet tall, this variety is a standout in any garden.

Discover the charm of ‘Goldilocks’ with seeds from Eden Brothers.

10. Goldsturm

The ‘Goldsturm’ cultivar of Rudbeckia fulgida stands out for its long, strong stems and bright orange-yellow blossoms. With excellent pest and disease resistance, this variety blooms for an extended period, making it a great choice for cut flower arrangements.

Bring home the award-winning beauty of ‘Goldsturm’ from Eden Brothers.

11. Green Eyes

With lemon yellow petals surrounding a bright green center, the ‘Green Eyes’ cultivar is a unique twist on the classic black-eyed Susan. Standing at two feet tall, this variety adds a touch of freshness to any garden.

Bring home the uniqueness of ‘Green Eyes’ from Eden Brothers.

12. Henry Eilers

Featuring bright yellow flowers with a deep brown center, the ‘Henry Eilers’ cultivar looks like bright little stars in the garden. With a height of four feet and a sweet fragrance, this variety is a reliable bloomer that adds a touch of charm to any garden.

Experience the beauty of ‘Henry Eilers’ with seeds from Eden Brothers.

13. Little Goldstar

For a constellation of golden stars in your yard, ‘Little Goldstar’ is the perfect choice. With petite, star-shaped flowers on a compact 16-inch plant, this variety blooms from spring through fall.

Bring home the twinkling beauty of ‘Little Goldstar’ from Home Depot.

14. Little Suzy

Compact and cheerful, ‘Little Suzy’ is a delightful addition to any garden. With small yellow blossoms and a brown-purple center, this 24-inch-tall plant blooms from midsummer to the first frost.

Discover the charm of ‘Little Suzy’ with plants from Nature Hills Nursery.

15. Marmalade

With bright golden yellow petals transitioning to cheerful orange and a chocolate brown center, the ‘Marmalade’ cultivar is a classic beauty in any garden. Blooming from late spring to early fall, this 24-inch-tall plant is a delightful addition to any garden.

Add a scoop of ‘Marmalade’ to your garden with seeds from Eden Brothers.

16. Maya

Featuring fully double flowers in bright yellow with a green and brown center, the ‘Maya’ cultivar is an eye-catching addition to any garden. With a height of two feet, this variety is both drought-tolerant and deer-resistant.

Find your frilly blossoms with ‘Maya’ from Eden Brothers.

17. Prairie Sun

Reminiscent of a sunset over the prairie, the ‘Prairie Sun’ cultivar is a stunning addition to any garden. With a green center surrounded by orange and lemon-yellow petals, this three-foot-tall plant is perfect for cutting.

Experience the native splendor of ‘Prairie Sun’ with live plants from Home Depot.

Conclusion

Black-eyed Susans are not only beautiful and hardy but also incredibly varied in their appearance. From bold reds to vibrant oranges and unique greens, there is a black-eyed Susan variety to suit every garden. Which of these stunning varieties is your favorite? Have you grown any of these, or do you plan to in the future? Let us know in the comments!

If you’re interested in learning more about black-eyed Susans and other flowers in the Asteraceae family, be sure to check out our guides on How to Grow and Care for Cosmos Flowers, How to Grow and Care for Gerbera Daisies, and Splash Your Garden in Blue with Bachelor’s Buttons (Cornflowers).

Remember, nature’s beauty is all around us, waiting to be discovered in our gardens. So why not plant some black-eyed Susans and watch as they bring a little ray of sunshine into your outdoor space.