Black-Eyed Susan vs Daisy

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

Black-Eyed Susan

Rudbeckia hirta

Asteraceae · flowers

Deer ResistantDrought TolerantLow Maintenance

Daisy

Bellis perennis

Asteraceae · flowers

EdibleDeer ResistantLow Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Black-Eyed Susan (Zones 3-9)

Daisy (Zones 4-8)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 4–8

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Black-Eyed Susan	Daisy
Scientific Name	Rudbeckia hirta	Bellis perennis
Family	Asteraceae	Asteraceae
Category	flowers	flowers
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Well-drained	Well-drained
Height	3'	6"
Spread	1' 6"	8"
Bloom Season	Summer-Fall	Spring-Summer
Bloom Color	Yellow	White, Pink
Growth Rate	Fast	Medium
Native Region	Eastern North America	Europe
Maintenance	Low	Low

Special Traits

Black-Eyed Susan

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantYes — Drought Tolerant

Daisy

Yes — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Care Tips

Black-Eyed Susan

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

Daisy

✓Deadhead to prevent self-seeding if desired.
✓Tolerates mowing in lawns.
✓Divide in spring or fall.
✓May go dormant in hot summers.
✓Edible flowers add beauty to salads.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

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.

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

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

View Black-Eyed SusanProfile →View DaisyProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

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

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

Which grows taller, Black-Eyed Susan or Daisy?

Black-Eyed Susan grows taller at 3' compared to Daisy at 6". Black-Eyed Susan spreads 1' 6" while Daisy spreads 8".

Are Black-Eyed Susan and Daisy deer resistant?

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

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

Both Black-Eyed Susan and Daisy 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	Black-Eyed Susan	Daisy
Scientific Name	Rudbeckia hirta	Bellis perennis
Family	Asteraceae	Asteraceae
Category	flowers	flowers
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Well-drained	Well-drained
Height	3'	6"
Spread	1' 6"	8"
Bloom Season	Summer-Fall	Spring-Summer
Bloom Color	Yellow	White, Pink
Growth Rate	Fast	Medium
Native Region	Eastern North America	Europe
Maintenance	Low	Low

Care Tips

Black-Eyed Susan

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

Daisy

✓Deadhead to prevent self-seeding if desired.
✓Tolerates mowing in lawns.
✓Divide in spring or fall.
✓May go dormant in hot summers.
✓Edible flowers add beauty to salads.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

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.

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

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

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

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

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

Which grows taller, Black-Eyed Susan or Daisy?

Black-Eyed Susan grows taller at 3' compared to Daisy at 6". Black-Eyed Susan spreads 1' 6" while Daisy spreads 8".

Are Black-Eyed Susan and Daisy deer resistant?

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

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

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