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Key characteristics

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

Perennials

Rudbeckia hirta 'Laura'

Laura Black-Eyed Susan

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.

Light

Full sun

Water

Moderate

Bloom time

Midsummer through early fall

Find this plant

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.