Black-Eyed Susan vs Sedum (Stonecrop)

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

Black-Eyed Susan

Rudbeckia hirta

Asteraceae · flowers

Deer ResistantDrought TolerantLow Maintenance

Sedum (Stonecrop)

Sedum spp.

Crassulaceae · groundcovers

EdibleDeer ResistantDrought TolerantLow Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Black-Eyed Susan (Zones 3-9)

Sedum (Stonecrop) (Zones 3-9)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 3–9

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Black-Eyed Susan	Sedum (Stonecrop)
Scientific Name	Rudbeckia hirta	Sedum spp.
Family	Asteraceae	Crassulaceae
Category	flowers	groundcovers
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧 Low
Soil	Well-drained	Well-drained, Poor
Height	3'	6"
Spread	1' 6"	2'
Bloom Season	Summer-Fall	Summer
Bloom Color	Yellow	Yellow, Pink, White
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	Eastern North America	Northern Hemisphere
Maintenance	Low	Low

Special Traits

Black-Eyed Susan

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantYes — Drought Tolerant

Sedum (Stonecrop)

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.

Sedum (Stonecrop)

✓Needs very little water once established.
✓Thrives in poor soil.
✓Break off stems and press into soil to propagate.
✓Great for green roofs and rock walls.

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 Sedum (Stonecrop) if you want a low-maintenance plant, need drought tolerance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with low water in zones 3–9.

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 Sedum (Stonecrop)Profile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Black-Eyed Susan and Sedum (Stonecrop) grow in the same hardiness zone?

Black-Eyed Susan grows in USDA zones 3-9, while Sedum (Stonecrop) grows in zones 3-9. Both plants can grow together in zones 3 through 9.

Do Black-Eyed Susan and Sedum (Stonecrop) have the same sun and water needs?

Black-Eyed Susan needs full sun and medium water, while Sedum (Stonecrop) needs full sun and low water. Their differing requirements mean you may need separate garden areas for each.

Which grows taller, Black-Eyed Susan or Sedum (Stonecrop)?

Black-Eyed Susan grows taller at 3' compared to Sedum (Stonecrop) at 6". Black-Eyed Susan spreads 1' 6" while Sedum (Stonecrop) spreads 2'.

Are Black-Eyed Susan and Sedum (Stonecrop) deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Black-Eyed Susan or Sedum (Stonecrop)?

Both Black-Eyed Susan and Sedum (Stonecrop) 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	Sedum (Stonecrop)
Scientific Name	Rudbeckia hirta	Sedum spp.
Family	Asteraceae	Crassulaceae
Category	flowers	groundcovers
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧 Low
Soil	Well-drained	Well-drained, Poor
Height	3'	6"
Spread	1' 6"	2'
Bloom Season	Summer-Fall	Summer
Bloom Color	Yellow	Yellow, Pink, White
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	Eastern North America	Northern Hemisphere
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.

Sedum (Stonecrop)

✓Needs very little water once established.
✓Thrives in poor soil.
✓Break off stems and press into soil to propagate.
✓Great for green roofs and rock walls.

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 Sedum (Stonecrop) if you want a low-maintenance plant, need drought tolerance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with low water in zones 3–9.

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 Sedum (Stonecrop) grow in the same hardiness zone?

Black-Eyed Susan grows in USDA zones 3-9, while Sedum (Stonecrop) grows in zones 3-9. Both plants can grow together in zones 3 through 9.

Do Black-Eyed Susan and Sedum (Stonecrop) have the same sun and water needs?

Black-Eyed Susan needs full sun and medium water, while Sedum (Stonecrop) needs full sun and low water. Their differing requirements mean you may need separate garden areas for each.

Which grows taller, Black-Eyed Susan or Sedum (Stonecrop)?

Black-Eyed Susan grows taller at 3' compared to Sedum (Stonecrop) at 6". Black-Eyed Susan spreads 1' 6" while Sedum (Stonecrop) spreads 2'.

Are Black-Eyed Susan and Sedum (Stonecrop) deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Black-Eyed Susan or Sedum (Stonecrop)?

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