Can Black-Eyed Susans Live in a Tub or Planter?

Black-eyed Susans can grow in pots.

Black-eyed Susans produce showy flowers that bloom over a long period of time, making this a popular wildflower that will grow well in tubs or planters. The black-eyed Susan vine (Thunbergia alata) or the flower varieties (rudbeckia) will thrive in a container. Consider the type of container, its placement outside, the soil and frequency of watering when planting Black-eyed Susans.

Black-eyed Susan Blooms

The black-eyed Susan wildflower or vine is grown both as an annual and perennial depending on the climate. It is native from the Midwest plains to the Atlantic Coast and generally blooms from June through mid-fall, making it a favorite plant with gardeners. The daisy-like wildflower grows up to 3 feet tall, while the vine will reach heights up to 8 feet. The vine will need a trellis or support when grown in a container. The wildflower blossoms in golden yellow with a brown center, while the vine blooms in red, orange and bright yellow.

How To Grow Black-eyed Susans

One of the easiest wildflowers to grow, the black-eyed Susan is hardy in growing zones 3 to 9, and is adaptable to many different soil types. When planting in a container, use good potting soil that drains well and give the flowers frequent water. Place the containers in full sun for maximum blooms and growth. To start the flower from seed simply press the seed into bare soil during spring, summer or fall.

Container Consideration

According to Iowa State University, container selection is important when planting black-eyed Susans. Use pots with holes; the university recommends clay pots because they provide excellent drainage and air circulation. However, the clay is porous so the plant will need more frequent watering. Plants grown in containers need more fertilizer because of the limited amount of soil. The soil in pots doesn't have as many nutrients and the frequent watering leaches out what is available.

Diseases

The black-eyed Susan is fairly hardy and stands up to wind, rain and cold. However the rudbeckia does get attacked by the fungus Septoria that shows up as small, dark-brown lesions. To curb the disease, properly space plants when planting to prevent over-crowding; remove leaves if they get infected; don't water overhead; and use fungicides if necessary. Another common disease, powdery mildew, is usually just an unsightly problem. It can be severe though when leaves turn yellow and die. To prevent mildew, provide adequate space between plants, remove infected leaves and treat with a fungicide if necessary.

References

• Texas A&M AgriLife Extension: Black-Eyed Susan
• University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture: Goldstrum Black-Eyed Susan
• University of Florida; Seed Source Affects Flowering and Growth of Container-Grown Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta L); Jeffrey G. Norcini and James H. Aldrich
• Iowa State University Extension: Growing Annuals in Containers
• University of Minnesota Extension; Diseases of Rudbeckia; Janna Beckerman