<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n13. Named After a Poem<\/h3>\n\n\n\n While we are confident that the plant species Rudbeckia garnered its name from the famous Swedish scientist we previously mentioned \u2013 most are still at a loss to explain its moniker of \u201cBlack-eyed Susan.\u201d The most prevalent theory suggests that the flower got its name after a poem written by John Gay, an Englishman who lived between 1685-1732. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
All in the downs, the fleet was moored,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Banners waving in the wind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When Black-Eyed Susan came aboard,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
and eyed the burly men.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Tell me, ye sailors, tell me true<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Does my Sweet William sail with you?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Though battle call me from thy arms<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let not my pretty Susan mourn;<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Though cannons roar, yet safe from harms<\/p>\n\n\n\n
William shall to his Dear return.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Love turns aside the balls that round me fly<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lest precious tears should drop from Susan’s eye. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, who is \u201cSweet William,\u201d as described in the poem? We\u2019ll never know the origin of this person. However, we do know that it\u2019s the name of another wildflower common to the United States. Both flowers bloom during the same period \u2013 so, it makes for a fitting combination. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n14. Plant Black-Eyed Susan\u2019s in March<\/h3>\n\n\n\n The planting season for Black-eyed Susan starts in early to mid-march when the soil temperature reaches 70\u00b0F and lasts all the way through to the end of May. Germination of the seeds occurs in as little as 7-days, and the flowers bloom in the height of summer between June and September. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Plant your seeds or young flowers in beds with soil that drains well. This variety loves the sun, so make sure you give them a spot in your yard that allows them to sunbathe throughout the day. While Black-eyed Susan can survive and thrive in poor soil conditions, we recommend that you fertilize the soil a month before planting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The plants typically grow to heights of between 1 and 3-feet, with a petal spread of up to 18-inches. Divide the perennial species every three years to prevent the plants from spreading. Remove any dead flowers or leaves to prolong the blooming cycle. If you cut back the flowers, they may bloom again in the late fall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n