Rudbeckia Companion Plants: How to Choose the Best Plants to Grow with Black-Eyed Susans

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When it comes to creating a beautiful garden, choosing the right plants is key. If you're looking to grow Rudbeckia, commonly known as black-eyed susans, in your garden, you'll want to choose companion plants that will enhance their beauty and complement their growth habits.

The Benefits of Growing Rudbeckia Companion Plants:

Growing Rudbeckia companion plants has many benefits, including improved soil fertility, reduced pest problems, and increased biodiversity in your garden. By carefully selecting companion plants, you can create a beautiful and thriving ecosystem in your backyard.

How to Choose the Right Rudbeckia Companion Plants:

When selecting Rudbeckia companion plants, it's important to consider a few key factors:

Growth Habits:

Rudbeckia are tall, upright plants that can grow up to 3 feet tall. When choosing companion plants, look for plants that have similar growth habits, such as Joe Pye Weed, Coneflower, or Goldenrod. These plants will complement the height and structure of your Rudbeckia.

Soil Needs:

Rudbeckia prefer well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter. Look for companion plants that have similar soil needs, such as lavender, thyme, or rosemary.

Bloom Times:

One of the most important factors to consider when selecting Rudbeckia companion plants is bloom time. Look for plants that will bloom at the same time as your Rudbeckia, such as Shasta daisies, Coreopsis, or Echinacea. This will ensure that your garden is always in full bloom.

15 Best Rudbeckia Companion Plants:

1. Joe Pye Weed

Joe Pye Weed is a tall, native plant that produces clusters of pinkish-purple flowers in late summer. It's a great companion plant for Rudbeckia because it has similar growth habits and soil needs.

How to Grow:

Joe Pye Weed prefers moist, well-draining soil and partial shade. It can grow up to 6 feet tall, so it's best planted in the back of your garden bed.

Tips:

- Water Joe Pye Weed regularly, especially during hot, dry weather.
- Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers.

2. Coneflower

Coneflower, also known as Echinacea, is a perennial plant that produces showy pink, purple, or white flowers in mid to late summer. It's a great companion plant for Rudbeckia because it has similar soil needs and bloom times.

How to Grow:

Coneflower prefers well-draining soil and full sun. Plant the seeds in early spring, and water regularly until they're established.

Tips:

- Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers.
- Divide coneflowers every few years to prevent overcrowding.

3. Goldenrod

Goldenrod is a tall, native plant that produces bright yellow flowers in late summer and early fall. It's a great companion plant for Rudbeckia because it has similar growth habits and soil needs.

How to Grow:

Goldenrod prefers well-draining soil and full sun. Plant the seeds in early spring, and water regularly until they're established.

Tips:

- Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers.
- Cut back goldenrod in late fall to prevent it from becoming too leggy.

4. Shasta Daisies

Shasta daisies are a perennial plant that produces large white or yellow flowers in mid to late summer. They're a great companion plant for Rudbeckia because they have similar bloom times and soil needs.

How to Grow:

Shasta daisies prefer well-draining soil and full sun. Plant them in early spring or fall, and water regularly until they're established.

Tips:

- Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers.
- Divide Shasta daisies every few years to prevent overcrowding.

5. Coreopsis

Coreopsis is a low-growing perennial plant that produces yellow, orange, or red flowers in mid to late summer. It's a great companion plant for Rudbeckia because it has similar bloom times and soil needs.

How to Grow:

Coreopsis prefers well-draining soil and full sun. Plant the seeds in early spring, and water regularly until they're established.

Tips:

- Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers.
- Divide coreopsis every few years to prevent overcrowding.

6. Lavender

Lavender is a fragrant perennial plant that produces purple or pink flowers in mid to late summer. It's a great companion plant for Rudbeckia because it has similar soil needs.

How to Grow:

Lavender prefers well-draining soil and full sun. Plant it in early spring or fall, and water regularly until it's established.

Tips:

- Prune lavender in the spring to encourage bushier growth.
- Harvest lavender flowers in midsummer for use in sachets or potpourri.

7. Thyme

Thyme is a low-growing herb that produces small pink or purple flowers in mid to late summer. It's a great companion plant for Rudbeckia because it has similar soil needs.

How to Grow:

Thyme prefers well-draining soil and full sun. Plant it in early spring or fall, and water regularly until it's established.

Tips:

- Prune thyme regularly to prevent it from becoming too woody.
- Harvest thyme leaves in midsummer for use in cooking.

8. Rosemary

Rosemary is a fragrant herb that produces blue or purple flowers in mid to late summer. It's a great companion plant for Rudbeckia because it has similar soil needs.

How to Grow:

Rosemary prefers well-draining soil and full sun. Plant it in early spring or fall, and water regularly until it's established.

Tips:

- Prune rosemary regularly to prevent it from becoming too woody.
- Harvest rosemary leaves in midsummer for use in cooking.

9. Black-Eyed Susan Vine

Black-eyed Susan vine is a climbing plant that produces yellow or orange flowers in mid to late summer. It's a great companion plant for Rudbeckia because it has similar bloom times.

How to Grow:

Black-eyed Susan vine prefers well-draining soil and full sun. Plant it in early spring or fall, and provide a trellis or support for it to climb.

Tips:

- Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers.
- Provide regular water and fertilizer to promote healthy growth.

10. Butterfly Weed

Butterfly weed is a native plant that produces orange or yellow flowers in mid to late summer. It's a great companion plant for Rudbeckia because it has similar soil needs and attracts pollinators.

How to Grow:

Butterfly weed prefers well-draining soil and full sun. Plant it in early spring, and water regularly until it's established.

Tips:

- Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers.
- Divide butterfly weed every few years to prevent overcrowding.

11. Bee Balm

Bee balm is a native plant that produces pink, red, or purple flowers in mid to late summer. It's a great companion plant for Rudbeckia because it has similar soil needs and attracts pollinators.

How to Grow:

Bee balm prefers well-draining soil and partial shade. Plant it in early spring or fall, and water regularly until it's established.

Tips:

- Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers.
- Divide bee balm every few years to prevent overcrowding.

12. Sedum

Sedum is a low-growing perennial plant that produces small white or pink flowers in late summer or early fall. It's a great companion plant for Rudbeckia because it has similar soil needs.

How to Grow:

Sedum prefers well-draining soil and full sun. Plant it in early spring or fall, and water regularly until it's established.

Tips:

- Cut back sedum in the spring to encourage bushier growth.
- Divide sedum every few years to prevent overcrowding.

13. Russian Sage

Russian sage is a fragrant perennial plant that produces lavender-blue flowers in mid to late summer. It's a great companion plant for Rudbeckia because it has similar soil needs.

How to Grow:

Russian sage prefers well-draining soil and full sun. Plant it in early spring or fall, and water regularly until it's established.

Tips:

- Prune Russian sage in the spring to encourage bushier growth.
- Harvest Russian sage leaves in midsummer for use in potpourri.

14. Yarrow

Yarrow is a native plant that produces white, pink, or yellow flowers in mid to late summer. It's a great companion plant for Rudbeckia because it has similar soil needs.

How to Grow:

Yarrow prefers well-draining soil and full sun. Plant it in early spring or fall, and water regularly until it's established.

Tips:

- Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers.
- Divide yarrow every few years to prevent overcrowding.

15. Catmint

Catmint is a fragrant perennial plant that produces blue or purple flowers in mid to late summer. It's a great companion plant for Rudbeckia because it has similar soil needs.

How to Grow:

Catmint prefers well-draining soil and full sun. Plant it in early spring or fall, and water regularly until it's established.

Tips:

- Prune catmint in the spring to encourage bushier growth.
- Harvest catmint leaves in midsummer for use in cooking.

FAQs:

Q1: How do I care for Rudbeckia companion plants?

A: Most Rudbeckia companion plants have similar soil and watering needs, so caring for them is relatively easy. Water them regularly, deadhead spent blooms, and divide overcrowded plants every few years.

Q2: Can I grow Rudbeckia with other types of flowers?

A: Yes! While we've focused on the best Rudbeckia companion plants in this article, you can certainly experiment with other types of flowers to see what works best in your garden.

Q3: When should I plant Rudbeckia companion plants?

A: Most Rudbeckia companion plants should be planted in early spring or fall, depending on your climate. Check the seed packet or plant label for specific planting instructions.

Q4: Do Rudbeckia companion plants attract pollinators?

A: Yes! Many Rudbeckia companion plants, such as bee balm, butterfly weed, and yarrow, are attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

Q5: Can I grow Rudbeckia in containers?

A: Yes! Rudbeckia can be grown in containers, but be sure to choose a large container that will accommodate their tall growth habit. Use a high-quality potting soil and water regularly.

Choosing the right Rudbeckia companion plants can help you create a beautiful and thriving garden ecosystem. By considering factors like growth habits, soil needs, and bloom times, you can select the best plants to complement your Rudbeckia and enhance your garden's beauty.

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