How to Grow Black-eyed Susan Cherry Brandy
Black-eyed Susan Cherry Brandy
Rudbeckia hirta 'Cherry Brandy'
flowerCherry Brandy is a striking cultivar of Black-eyed Susan featuring deep burgundy-red petals with golden-yellow tips and a dark brown center disc. This compact annual or short-lived perennial produces abundant blooms from summer through fall, attracting pollinators and providing vibrant color to gardens and cut flower arrangements. The plant is extremely hardy, low-maintenance, and thrives in poor to average soil conditions.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-10, with best performance in zones 3-9
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Growth Stages
Germination & Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny seedlings with 2-4 true leaves emerge within 7-14 days. Plants are delicate and small.
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light indoors. Thin seedlings to 12 inches apart when 2-3 inches tall.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksBushy foliage develops with multiple stems branching from the base. Plants reach 12-24 inches tall depending on variety and conditions.
Water moderately. Pinch back tips at 6 inches tall to encourage bushier growth and more flowers. Begin hardening off if started indoors.
Budding & First Flowers
2-3 weeksFlower buds form at stem tips; first blooms appear in characteristic burgundy-red with yellow tips and dark centers.
Begin light feeding with balanced fertilizer (optional; thrives without feeding). Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming.
Peak Flowering
8-12 weeks or moreAbundant flowers cover the plant throughout summer and into fall. Peak color and bloom production.
Deadhead regularly to extend bloom time into fall. Water during dry spells. Support tall stems in windy locations if needed.
Seed Set & Decline
4+ weeksIf flowers are not deadheaded, seed heads form with distinctive brown cone centers. Foliage may decline as temperatures drop in fall.
Allow some flowers to remain for seeds if self-sowing is desired. Cut back plant in late fall. May overwinter in zones 6-10 for short-lived perennial performance.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick in early morning or use neem oil spray. Beetle traps can reduce populations.
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Increase humidity by misting; use strong water spray to dislodge. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil if severe.
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Ensure good air circulation; avoid overhead watering. Apply sulfur dust or fungicide if needed. Remove affected leaves.
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Remove infected leaves; water at soil level only. Apply copper fungicide or sulfur spray as preventative in humid regions.
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Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encourage natural predators like ladybugs.
Uses
Edible Garnish & Tea
CulinaryPetals are edible with a slightly bitter, peppery flavor and can be used to garnish salads, cakes, and beverages. Dried petals can be brewed as a mild herbal tea. [source]
Traditional Herbal Remedy
MedicinalRudbeckia hirta has been used in traditional herbal medicine to support immune function and address respiratory concerns. Root preparations were historically used by Native Americans. [source]
Cut Flowers & Floral Arrangements
HouseholdExceptional as long-lasting cut flowers for bouquets, arrangements, and dried flower crafts. The burgundy-gold color combination adds warm tones to indoor displays. [source]
Pollinator & Bird Support
WildlifeAbundant flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators throughout the season. Seed heads provide valuable food for finches and other seed-eating birds in fall and winter. [source]
Dried Flowers & Seeds
CraftSeed heads dry naturally on the plant and are perfect for dried arrangements, wreaths, and seed collection for the following year. Entire stems can be dried and used in craft projects. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Cut flowers for arrangements when petals are fully open but centers are still firm, typically in early morning. Cut stems at a 45-degree angle and remove lower foliage. Flowers last 7-10 days in water. For seeds, allow flower heads to fully dry on the plant in late fall, then cut and collect dried seed heads.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The 'Cherry Brandy' cultivar was bred specifically to have deeper burgundy coloring than standard Black-eyed Susans, making it one of the darkest selections available in ornamental Rudbeckia varieties.
- 🌱 Black-eyed Susans are native to North America and were historically used by Native American tribes for medicinal purposes, including wound healing and immune support.
- 🌱 The distinctive dark center disc (the 'eye') contains hundreds of tiny florets, making each flower head technically a composite flower consisting of ray florets (the colored petals) and disc florets (the dark center).
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