- Black-eyed Susan thrives in a variety of soils.black eyed susan flower image by Jim Mills from Fotolia.com
Finding plants to fit into the garden can be a challenge, but acquiring hardy garden plants that can survive in unfavorable growing and weather conditions can be even more daunting. Hardy garden plants like black-eyed Susan have the ability to grow in a wide range of soil varieties, creating a versatile garden plant. Other qualities such as being drought and deer tolerant help to create a tough garden plant that can withstand adverse growing conditions. - Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) is a short-lived perennial or biennial flower that grows 2 to 3 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide. It features 3-inch wide, daisy-like flower rays that are bright yellow. Surrounding the daisy rays are the dark brown, domed centers that attract butterflies to the garden. Black-eyed Susan blooms sit atop the upright, leafy stems and begin their emergence in summer. They are noted for their lance-shaped, hairy foliage that grows 3 to 7 inches long. Hardy, black-eyed Susan tolerates drought and heat, as well as a wide variety of soils, excluding poorly-drained or wet sites. It grows best in full sun and organically-rich soil. To promote a long blooming season on black-eyed Susan, deadhead the spent flowers blooms as soon as possible. Grow black-eyed Susan in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 3 to 7.
- Thread-leaved coreopsis (Corepsis verticillata 'Zagreb') is a perennial flower that has a spreading growth habit and moderate growth pace. It grows 1 to 3 feet tall and wide and is noted for its star-like, early summer-blooming flowers that have a egg yolk color. Thread-leaved coreopsis blooms appear on the upright, sturdy stems and attract butterflies to the garden. The green, fern-like foliage on thread-leaved coreopsis is finely texture to add a delicate appearance to the garden. Thread-leaved coreopsis grows best in full sun to part shade and well-drained soil. Versatile, it tolerates a variety of soils, and is tolerant of heat, drought and humidity. To encourage a second round of blooms, deadhead the spent flowers. Grow thread-leaved coreopsis in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 4 to 9.
- Prairie zinnia (Zinnia grandiflora) is a low-growing perennial flower that has a clumping growth habit and moderate growth rate. It grows less than 6 inches tall and has a spread of 1 to 3 feet wide. Prairie zinnia is noted for their plethora of bright to golden yellow flowers that bloom from late summer into fall. The flowers attract butterflies and birds to the garden. Prairie zinnia are hardy garden plants and can tolerate a wide range of soils. They are both deer and drought tolerant and grow best in full sun and well-drained, fertile soil. Grow prairie zinnia in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 4 to 9.
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