Is Black-eyed Susan good for the Colorado Front Range?

Yes, Black-eyed Susan is a well-suited perennial for Colorado's Front Range.

How far apart do I plant Black-eyed Susan?

Space Black-eyed Susan about 13 in apart for a faster, fuller bed, or up to 18 in apart for a looser planting.

Is Black-eyed Susan hardy on the Front Range?

Black-eyed Susan is hardy in USDA 3 to 9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 6a, so it is well within range.

How much water does Black-eyed Susan need?

It needs low water once established.

Is Black-eyed Susan deer-resistant?

Black-eyed Susan is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.

How long does Black-eyed Susan bloom?

Black-eyed Susan blooms for several weeks, a long-season performer on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.

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Black-eyed Susan

Rudbeckia hirta

Compiled by Nicholas Julia · Reviewed against CSU Extension & Plant Select® · Updated 2026-10-30

Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) is a Colorado-native perennial suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 24 in tall and 12 to 18 in wide, needs low water, and prefers full sun. CO native perennial; supports pollinators.

Colorado nativeOn the CSU listlow water24 in tall and 12 to 18 in wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistant

Photos

Photo 1: no rights reserved
Photo 2: Penarc, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY)
Photo 3: EmmanuelVln, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
Photo 4: (c) Alison Northup, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Photo 5: G. Edward Johnson, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)

At a glance

Will it survive here?

Hardiness zones: USDA 3 to 9
Water needs: low water
Sun: Best in full sun.
Soil: clay, loam, sandy
Soil pH: 6.5 to 8.0
Hail tolerance: high
Wind tolerance: high
Salt tolerance: moderate
Site uses: Slopes & erosion control

How big, what shape?

Mature size: 24 in tall and 12 to 18 in wide
Planting spacing: ~13 to 18 in apart

What it looks like, and when

Bloom time: mid summer, late summer, early fall
Bloom color: yellow, brown
Bloom length: Long (several weeks)
Foliage: Deciduous

Who else benefits

Pollinator value: high
Deer: Generally deer-resistant
Colorado native: Yes
Native ecoregion: shortgrass prairie, foothills

Also worth knowing

Fire rating: Not rated

Planting & establishment

Native perennial; deep-water first season to establish, then minimal water needed.

Frequently asked questions

Is Black-eyed Susan good for the Colorado Front Range?: Yes, Black-eyed Susan is a well-suited perennial for Colorado's Front Range.
How big does Black-eyed Susan get?: It matures to about 24 in tall and 12 to 18 in wide.
How far apart do I plant Black-eyed Susan?: Space Black-eyed Susan about 13 in apart for a faster, fuller bed, or up to 18 in apart for a looser planting.
Is Black-eyed Susan hardy on the Front Range?: Black-eyed Susan is hardy in USDA 3 to 9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 6a, so it is well within range.
How much water does Black-eyed Susan need?: It needs low water once established.
Is Black-eyed Susan native to Colorado?: Yes. It is a Colorado native.
Is Black-eyed Susan deer-resistant?: Black-eyed Susan is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
How long does Black-eyed Susan bloom?: Black-eyed Susan blooms for several weeks, a long-season performer on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.