It is a native North American flower, but the black-eyed Susan is thought to owe its unusual name to a popular 18th century English song about a girl looking for her sweetheart, William, among a ship’s crew.
The nickname is inspired by the brown-black cone-shaped center of the daisy-like flower that stands out against its sunshine yellow petals. The state flower of Maryland, its scientific name is Rudbeckia hirta, which partly references the fact its leaves are covered with coarse hair (hirta is Latin for hairy).
We have consulted the experts on how to prepare this charming and cheerful plant to withstand winter weather, ensuring a bright display in borders and beds for many summers to come.
