Black-Eyed Susan vs Fig Tree

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

Black-Eyed Susan

Rudbeckia hirta

Asteraceae · flowers

Deer ResistantDrought TolerantLow Maintenance

Fig Tree

Ficus carica

Moraceae · trees

EdibleDeer ResistantDrought TolerantLow Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Black-Eyed Susan (Zones 3-9)

Fig Tree (Zones 7-10)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 7–9

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Black-Eyed Susan	Fig Tree
Scientific Name	Rudbeckia hirta	Ficus carica
Family	Asteraceae	Moraceae
Category	flowers	trees
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Well-drained	Well-drained
Height	3'	20'
Spread	1' 6"	20'
Bloom Season	Summer-Fall	Summer-Fall
Bloom Color	Yellow	Green (inside fruit)
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	Eastern North America	Mediterranean, Western Asia
Maintenance	Low	Low

Special Traits

Black-Eyed Susan

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantYes — Drought Tolerant

Fig Tree

Yes — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantYes — 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.

Fig Tree

✓Self-fertile — one tree is sufficient.
✓Protect in winter in zones 7-8 with wrapping or burying.
✓Container-grow in colder zones.
✓Prune to maintain size.
✓Figs fruit on current year's growth.

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 Fig Tree if you want a low-maintenance plant, need drought tolerance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 7–10.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 7–9. They share similar sun requirements (full sun), making them potential garden companions.

View Black-Eyed SusanProfile →View Fig TreeProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Black-Eyed Susan grows in USDA zones 3-9, while Fig Tree grows in zones 7-10. Both plants can grow together in zones 7 through 9.

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

Black-Eyed Susan needs full sun and medium water, while Fig Tree needs full sun and medium water. They share similar growing requirements and can be planted in the same bed.

Which grows taller, Black-Eyed Susan or Fig Tree?

Fig Tree grows taller at 20' compared to Black-Eyed Susan at 3'. Fig Tree spreads 20' while Black-Eyed Susan spreads 1' 6".

Are Black-Eyed Susan and Fig Tree deer resistant?

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

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

Both Black-Eyed Susan and Fig Tree 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	Fig Tree
Scientific Name	Rudbeckia hirta	Ficus carica
Family	Asteraceae	Moraceae
Category	flowers	trees
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Well-drained	Well-drained
Height	3'	20'
Spread	1' 6"	20'
Bloom Season	Summer-Fall	Summer-Fall
Bloom Color	Yellow	Green (inside fruit)
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	Eastern North America	Mediterranean, Western Asia
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.

Fig Tree

✓Self-fertile — one tree is sufficient.
✓Protect in winter in zones 7-8 with wrapping or burying.
✓Container-grow in colder zones.
✓Prune to maintain size.
✓Figs fruit on current year's growth.

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 Fig Tree if you want a low-maintenance plant, need drought tolerance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 7–10.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 7–9. They share similar sun requirements (full sun), making them potential garden companions.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Black-Eyed Susan grows in USDA zones 3-9, while Fig Tree grows in zones 7-10. Both plants can grow together in zones 7 through 9.

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

Black-Eyed Susan needs full sun and medium water, while Fig Tree needs full sun and medium water. They share similar growing requirements and can be planted in the same bed.

Which grows taller, Black-Eyed Susan or Fig Tree?

Fig Tree grows taller at 20' compared to Black-Eyed Susan at 3'. Fig Tree spreads 20' while Black-Eyed Susan spreads 1' 6".

Are Black-Eyed Susan and Fig Tree deer resistant?

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

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

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