Black-Eyed Susan vs Orange Tree

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

Black-Eyed Susan

Rudbeckia hirta

Asteraceae · flowers

Deer ResistantDrought TolerantLow Maintenance

Orange Tree

Citrus sinensis

Rutaceae · trees

EdibleDeer ResistantMedium Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Black-Eyed Susan (Zones 3-9)

Orange Tree (Zones 9-11)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 9–9

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Black-Eyed Susan	Orange Tree
Scientific Name	Rudbeckia hirta	Citrus sinensis
Family	Asteraceae	Rutaceae
Category	flowers	trees
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Well-drained	Well-drained, Sandy
Height	3'	30'
Spread	1' 6"	25'
Bloom Season	Summer-Fall	Spring
Bloom Color	Yellow	White
Growth Rate	Fast	Medium
Native Region	Eastern North America	Southeast Asia, China
Maintenance	Low	Medium

Special Traits

Black-Eyed Susan

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantYes — Drought Tolerant

Orange Tree

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.

Orange Tree

✓Protect from frost.
✓Feed with citrus fertilizer 3-4 times per year.
✓Water deeply and consistently.
✓Prune only to shape.
✓Pest management for citrus greening disease.

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 Orange Tree if you don't mind medium maintenance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 9–11.

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

View Black-Eyed SusanProfile →View Orange TreeProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

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

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

Orange Tree grows taller at 30' compared to Black-Eyed Susan at 3'. Orange Tree spreads 25' while Black-Eyed Susan spreads 1' 6".

Are Black-Eyed Susan and Orange Tree deer resistant?

Yes, both Black-Eyed Susan and Orange 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 Orange Tree?

Black-Eyed Susan has low maintenance while Orange Tree has medium maintenance. Black-Eyed Susan may be easier for beginning gardeners to manage.

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Detailed Comparison

Feature	Black-Eyed Susan	Orange Tree
Scientific Name	Rudbeckia hirta	Citrus sinensis
Family	Asteraceae	Rutaceae
Category	flowers	trees
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Well-drained	Well-drained, Sandy
Height	3'	30'
Spread	1' 6"	25'
Bloom Season	Summer-Fall	Spring
Bloom Color	Yellow	White
Growth Rate	Fast	Medium
Native Region	Eastern North America	Southeast Asia, China
Maintenance	Low	Medium

Care Tips

Black-Eyed Susan

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

Orange Tree

✓Protect from frost.
✓Feed with citrus fertilizer 3-4 times per year.
✓Water deeply and consistently.
✓Prune only to shape.
✓Pest management for citrus greening disease.

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 Orange Tree if you don't mind medium maintenance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 9–11.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

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

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

Orange Tree grows taller at 30' compared to Black-Eyed Susan at 3'. Orange Tree spreads 25' while Black-Eyed Susan spreads 1' 6".

Are Black-Eyed Susan and Orange Tree deer resistant?

Yes, both Black-Eyed Susan and Orange 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 Orange Tree?

Black-Eyed Susan has low maintenance while Orange Tree has medium maintenance. Black-Eyed Susan may be easier for beginning gardeners to manage.