Northwest Blooms · Perennials
Rudbeckia hirta 'Laura'
Laura Black-Eyed Susan
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Height
- 1-2 feet tall
- Width
- Spreads about 1-1.5 feet wide
- Flower color
- Bright golden-yellow petals
- Foliage color
- Green, with coarse, lance-shaped leaves
- Bloom time
- Midsummer through early fall
- Light
- Full sun
- Water
- Moderate
- Maintenance
- Low; deadhead to encourage continued blooming and maintain appearance
- Growing zone
- USDA Zones 3-8
- Wildlife
- Attracts butterflies and other pollinators; seed heads also attract birds
About this plant
Rudbeckia hirta 'Laura' is a stunning cultivar of the native black-eyed Susan, distinguished by its vibrant yellow petals that radiate with warm orange tones. This variety adds a lively pop of color to sunny garden beds and naturalized landscapes, bringing the cheerful hues of late summer and fall to life. Its bright blossoms stand out beautifully on sturdy stems, making it a reliable choice for seasonal interest in any garden.
Blooming from midsummer to early fall, 'Laura' is a magnet for pollinators, attracting bees and butterflies to its open, daisy-like flowers. Its sunny presence and bold color make it a perfect fit for mixed borders, cottage gardens, or wildflower meadows, where its resilience adds a welcoming touch to seasonal displays.
Works well in
Borders · Sun Gardens · Pollinator Gardens · Bird Gardens · Containers
Companion plants
Coreopsis · Russian sage · Sedums · Peonies · Coneflowers · Salvias
Design tip
Fall bloom is its strength, and it earns a place near a path or seating area used late in the year. Give it open sun and room to fill out, and repeat it in threes or fives so the planting reads as one sweep instead of scattered dots.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen in the perennial border at the Bellevue Botanical Garden.
