Question
I have an East-facing bed that gets lots of early to mid-day sun, especially in Spring and Summer. ItÃs planted with Black Eyed Susans which had a great show this Summer. However the blooms have all fallen down, and I 'm getting conflicting advice about how to prune them. Can the stalks all be cut to the ground, with new growth coming up from the ground in the Spring, or should I leave the old leaves and stalks alone? ItÃs pretty ratty-looking now and I'd like to get it cleaned up, but really want them back next year. Also, can I put some bulbs in with them for color in the Spring? Thanks.
Steven
Mill Valley
Answer
There are 2 types of Black Eyed Susans. The perennial types can be pruned back to the ground. These are the fulgida and lacinata species. They typically have yellow flowers about 2"- 3" across with dark green, somewhat fuzzy leaves. The hirta types are not as reliable to return. These are the ones with large flowers in yellow, rust and bronzy tones. The foliage tends to be very fuzzy and more gray green. Being more temperamental, there is resistance to cutting them back. In any case, an untidy bed that is under scrutiny usually gets cleaned up. You can plant spring flowering bulbs in the same bed, just be careful you don't scalp the roots of the Rudbeckias. You can plant taller bulbs such as Daffodils and Allium behind and shorter Freesia, Ranunculus, Muscari, etc in front.
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