Origins
Rudbeckia hirta L. var. angustifolia (T.V. Moore) Perdue is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. This plant is native to many parts of North America, including the United States and Canada.
Common Names
Popularly known as Black-eyed Susan, the Rudbeckia hirta L. var. angustifolia (T.V. Moore) Perdue, is also referred to as Narrow-leaf Coneflower, and the American Coneflower.
General Appearance
The Rudbeckia hirta L. var. angustifolia (T.V. Moore) Perdue plant is a robust herbaceous perennial that grows up to a height of 30-80cm. The plant has a conical-shaped flowerhead that is approximately 5-7cm in diameter and made up of numerous yellow petals arranged around a dark-brown to blackish center. The leaves of the plant are elongated, slender, alternate, and can grow up to 15-25cm in length and 1-3cm in width.
Uses
Black-eyed Susan plants are considered to be ornamental plants that are mainly grown in gardens as they attract butterflies and birds and they are suitable for various soil types and can tolerate varying sunlight levels. The whole plant is medicinally used by Native Americans to treat different ailments, including colds, flu, and snakebite. In modern times, it is used as an alternative remedy for different ailments like arthritis and inflammation.
Light Requirements
Rudbeckia hirta L. var. angustifolia thrives under full sunlight, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. The plant is suitable for zones 3 to 11 in the USDA Hardiness Zone Map and grows best in well-drained soil under direct sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is tolerant of different temperature ranges but prefers a moderate temperature between 15°C to 25°C. Extreme temperatures can damage the plant, so it is important to keep it in a temperature-controlled environment. The plant can withstand cold temperatures but may require extra care such as mulching during winter.
Soil Requirements
Rudbeckia hirta L. var. angustifolia can grow in almost any soil type, but it thrives in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The ideal soil pH range is between 5.5 and 6.5. The plant has shallow roots that spread up to 12 inches wide, so it is important to provide it with enough space for growth. Regular watering is also required to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Cultivation Methods
Rudbeckia hirta L. var. angustifolia (T.V. Moore) Perdue, commonly known as Black-eyed Susan, is typically grown as an annual plant in gardens. It thrives in well-draining, fertile soil that receives plenty of sunlight. Planting should be done in early spring, after the last frost, and spaced out properly according to its cultivar.
Ensure that the plants are in an area where they receive at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. These plants do not like to be disturbed once they are established, so provide enough space during planting to avoid transplanting later on.
Watering Needs
Black-eyed Susan requires regular watering for optimal growth and flowering. The soil should be kept moist at all times, but not waterlogged. During periods of drought, plants should be watered deeply at least once a week.
Avoid overwatering and waterlogging, as this can lead to root rot and other diseases. Watering should be done in the morning to give the plant enough time to dry off during the day, reducing the risk of fungal infections.
Fertilization
Rudbeckia hirta L. var. angustifolia (T.V. Moore) Perdue does not require excessive amounts of fertilization. Applying a slow-release fertilizer during planting will provide the necessary nutrients throughout the growing season.
If you notice that the plants are not growing well or have yellowing leaves, you can apply a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season. Be sure to follow the instructions on the fertilizer package carefully to avoid over-fertilization.
Pruning
Black-eyed Susan plants do not require much pruning, but removing spent flowers will encourage the growth of new blooms. Deadheading should be done regularly throughout the growing season.
In the fall, after the plants have stopped producing new flowers, you can cut back the stems to the ground level. This will help to prevent the growth of diseases during the winter months.
Propagation of Rudbeckia hirta L. var. angustifolia (T.V. Moore) Perdue
Rudbeckia hirta L. var. angustifolia (T.V. Moore) Perdue, commonly known as Prairie Coneflower, is a herbaceous perennial plant that is native to North America. It is a popular plant in gardens and landscapes due to its attractive yellow flowers. The plant can be propagated by various methods.
Seed Propagation
One of the most common methods of propagating Rudbeckia hirta L. var. angustifolia (T.V. Moore) Perdue is through seed propagation. The seeds can be collected from the plant after the flowering period and sown in a suitable growing medium. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 1/8 inch and kept moist until germination. Germination usually takes between 1-3 weeks, depending on the growing conditions.
Dividing the Root Mass
Rudbeckia hirta L. var. angustifolia (T.V. Moore) Perdue can also be propagated by dividing the root mass. This method is usually carried out during the dormant period, in late autumn or early spring. The plant should be carefully dug up and the root mass divided into sections. Each section should have some roots and shoots. The sections can then be planted in a suitable growing medium and kept moist until established.
Stem Cuttings
Another propagation method for Rudbeckia hirta L. var. angustifolia (T.V. Moore) Perdue is through stem cuttings. This method is usually carried out in late spring or early summer. The stem cuttings should be taken from the new growth, and each cutting should be around 4-6 inches long. The cuttings should be taken from healthy plants and should have a few leaves. The cuttings should be planted in a suitable growing medium and kept moist until established.
Disease Management
Rudbeckia hirta L. var. angustifolia is susceptible to various fungal diseases that can cause severe damage to the plant. The most common fungal diseases that affect Rudbeckia hirta L. var. angustifolia are powdery mildew, leaf spot, and root rot.
To manage powdery mildew, it is important to ensure adequate air circulation around the plant and to avoid overhead watering. Applying fungicides containing potassium bicarbonate, neem oil, or sulfur can also help control powdery mildew.
Leaf spot can be managed by removing the infected leaves from the plant and avoiding overhead watering. Applying fungicides containing copper sulfate or chlorothalonil can also help control leaf spot.
Root rot can be prevented by ensuring adequate drainage around the plant and avoiding overwatering. Treating the soil with fungicides containing thiophanate-methyl can also help control root rot.
Pest Management
Rudbeckia hirta L. var. angustifolia is also susceptible to various pest problems, including aphids, spider mites, and leafhoppers.
To manage aphids, introducing natural predators such as lady beetles or lacewings can be effective. Spraying the plants with insecticidal soap or neem oil can also help control aphids.
Spider mites can be managed by increasing humidity around the plant and spraying the plants with water to wash them off. Applying insecticides containing pyrethrins or neem oil can also help control spider mites.
Leafhoppers can be managed by removing any weeds or debris around the plant, which can serve as a host for the pests. Applying insecticides containing malathion or acephate can also help control leafhoppers.
