Astilbe vs Black-Eyed Susan

Side-by-side plant comparison — which is right for your garden?

Astilbe

Astilbe × arendsii

Saxifragaceae · flowers

Deer ResistantLow Maintenance

Black-Eyed Susan

Rudbeckia hirta

Asteraceae · flowers

Deer ResistantDrought TolerantLow Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Astilbe (Zones 4-8)

Black-Eyed Susan (Zones 3-9)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 4–8

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Astilbe	Black-Eyed Susan
Scientific Name	Astilbe × arendsii	Rudbeckia hirta
Family	Saxifragaceae	Asteraceae
Category	flowers	flowers
Sun	⛅ Part Shade	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium to High	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Moist	Well-drained
Height	3'	3'
Spread	2'	1' 6"
Bloom Season	Summer	Summer-Fall
Bloom Color	Red, Pink, White, Purple	Yellow
Growth Rate	Medium	Fast
Native Region	East Asia	Eastern North America
Maintenance	Low	Low

Special Traits

Astilbe

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Black-Eyed Susan

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantYes — Drought Tolerant

Care Tips

Astilbe

✓Must have consistently moist soil — wilts quickly if dry.
✓Divide every 3-4 years.
✓Leave dried flower heads for winter texture.
✓Feed in spring with balanced fertilizer.

Black-Eyed Susan

✓Deadhead spent blooms to encourage reblooming.
✓Divide clumps every 3-4 years.
✓Tolerates poor soil and drought once established.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose Astilbe if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in part shade with medium to high water in zones 4–8.

Choose Black-Eyed Susan if you want a low-maintenance plant, need drought tolerance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 3–9.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 4–8. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

View AstilbeProfile →View Black-Eyed SusanProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Astilbe and Black-Eyed Susan grow in the same hardiness zone?

Astilbe grows in USDA zones 4-8, while Black-Eyed Susan grows in zones 3-9. Both plants can grow together in zones 4 through 8.

Do Astilbe and Black-Eyed Susan have the same sun and water needs?

Astilbe needs part shade and medium to high water, while Black-Eyed Susan needs full sun and medium water. Their differing requirements mean you may need separate garden areas for each.

Which grows taller, Astilbe or Black-Eyed Susan?

Both Astilbe and Black-Eyed Susan reach approximately 3' in height, with spreads of 2' and 1' 6" respectively.

Are Astilbe and Black-Eyed Susan deer resistant?

Yes, both Astilbe and Black-Eyed Susan are considered deer resistant, making them excellent choices for gardens in areas with deer pressure.

Which is easier to maintain, Astilbe or Black-Eyed Susan?

Both Astilbe and Black-Eyed Susan have low maintenance requirements. They need a similar level of care including regular attention to watering, pruning, and soil health.

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Detailed Comparison

Feature	Astilbe	Black-Eyed Susan
Scientific Name	Astilbe × arendsii	Rudbeckia hirta
Family	Saxifragaceae	Asteraceae
Category	flowers	flowers
Sun	⛅ Part Shade	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium to High	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Moist	Well-drained
Height	3'	3'
Spread	2'	1' 6"
Bloom Season	Summer	Summer-Fall
Bloom Color	Red, Pink, White, Purple	Yellow
Growth Rate	Medium	Fast
Native Region	East Asia	Eastern North America
Maintenance	Low	Low

Care Tips

Astilbe

✓Must have consistently moist soil — wilts quickly if dry.
✓Divide every 3-4 years.
✓Leave dried flower heads for winter texture.
✓Feed in spring with balanced fertilizer.

Black-Eyed Susan

✓Deadhead spent blooms to encourage reblooming.
✓Divide clumps every 3-4 years.
✓Tolerates poor soil and drought once established.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose Astilbe if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in part shade with medium to high water in zones 4–8.

Choose Black-Eyed Susan if you want a low-maintenance plant, need drought tolerance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 3–9.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 4–8. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Astilbe and Black-Eyed Susan grow in the same hardiness zone?

Astilbe grows in USDA zones 4-8, while Black-Eyed Susan grows in zones 3-9. Both plants can grow together in zones 4 through 8.

Do Astilbe and Black-Eyed Susan have the same sun and water needs?

Astilbe needs part shade and medium to high water, while Black-Eyed Susan needs full sun and medium water. Their differing requirements mean you may need separate garden areas for each.

Which grows taller, Astilbe or Black-Eyed Susan?

Both Astilbe and Black-Eyed Susan reach approximately 3' in height, with spreads of 2' and 1' 6" respectively.

Are Astilbe and Black-Eyed Susan deer resistant?

Yes, both Astilbe and Black-Eyed Susan are considered deer resistant, making them excellent choices for gardens in areas with deer pressure.

Which is easier to maintain, Astilbe or Black-Eyed Susan?

Both Astilbe and Black-Eyed Susan have low maintenance requirements. They need a similar level of care including regular attention to watering, pruning, and soil health.