Black-Eyed Susan vs Marigold

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

Black-Eyed Susan

Rudbeckia hirta

Asteraceae · flowers

Deer ResistantDrought TolerantLow Maintenance

Marigold

Tagetes spp.

Asteraceae · flowers

Deer ResistantDrought TolerantLow Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Black-Eyed Susan (Zones 3-9)

Marigold (Zones 2-11)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 3–9

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Black-Eyed Susan	Marigold
Scientific Name	Rudbeckia hirta	Tagetes spp.
Family	Asteraceae	Asteraceae
Category	flowers	flowers
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Well-drained	Well-drained
Height	3'	2'
Spread	1' 6"	1'
Bloom Season	Summer-Fall	Summer-Fall
Bloom Color	Yellow	Yellow, Orange, Red
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	Eastern North America	Americas
Maintenance	Low	Low

Special Traits

Black-Eyed Susan

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantYes — Drought Tolerant

Marigold

No — 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.

Marigold

✓Deadhead regularly for continuous bloom.
✓Roots exude substances that repel nematodes — excellent companion plant for vegetables.
✓Direct sow or transplant.

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 Marigold if you want a low-maintenance plant, need drought tolerance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 2–11.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 3–9. They share similar sun requirements (full sun), making them potential garden companions.

View Black-Eyed SusanProfile →View MarigoldProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Black-Eyed Susan grows in USDA zones 3-9, while Marigold grows in zones 2-11. Both plants can grow together in zones 3 through 9.

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

Black-Eyed Susan needs full sun and medium water, while Marigold 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 Marigold?

Black-Eyed Susan grows taller at 3' compared to Marigold at 2'. Black-Eyed Susan spreads 1' 6" while Marigold spreads 1'.

Are Black-Eyed Susan and Marigold deer resistant?

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

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

Both Black-Eyed Susan and Marigold 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	Marigold
Scientific Name	Rudbeckia hirta	Tagetes spp.
Family	Asteraceae	Asteraceae
Category	flowers	flowers
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Well-drained	Well-drained
Height	3'	2'
Spread	1' 6"	1'
Bloom Season	Summer-Fall	Summer-Fall
Bloom Color	Yellow	Yellow, Orange, Red
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	Eastern North America	Americas
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.

Marigold

✓Deadhead regularly for continuous bloom.
✓Roots exude substances that repel nematodes — excellent companion plant for vegetables.
✓Direct sow or transplant.

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 Marigold if you want a low-maintenance plant, need drought tolerance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 2–11.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 3–9. They share similar sun requirements (full sun), making them potential garden companions.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Black-Eyed Susan grows in USDA zones 3-9, while Marigold grows in zones 2-11. Both plants can grow together in zones 3 through 9.

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

Black-Eyed Susan needs full sun and medium water, while Marigold 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 Marigold?

Black-Eyed Susan grows taller at 3' compared to Marigold at 2'. Black-Eyed Susan spreads 1' 6" while Marigold spreads 1'.

Are Black-Eyed Susan and Marigold deer resistant?

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

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

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