If you love the cheerful shape and bold center of Black Eyed Susans but want something different than their classic yellow petals, this list is for you. Here, we explore ten flowers that share the distinctive dark central cone or similar form but feature petals in colors other than yellow. Whether you’re a gardener seeking variety or a floral enthusiast craving unique blooms, these options offer striking alternatives without losing that familiar silhouette.
Rudbeckia hirta ‘Cherry Brandy’
‘Cherry Brandy’ is a cultivar of Rudbeckia hirta that swaps the traditional yellow for rich, deep red petals with a dark brown central cone. It grows 2 to 3 feet tall and blooms from mid-summer to early fall, providing a dramatic contrast in garden beds. This variety retains the Black Eyed Susan’s robust nature and drought tolerance, making it a standout for gardeners wanting a darker twist on a classic.
Rudbeckia triloba
Unlike the typical Rudbeckia hirta, Rudbeckia triloba features petals that range from orange-red to deep mahogany, often with a gradient effect toward the dark center. The flowers are smaller and more numerous, creating a textured, wildflower look. This species thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, and its multi-branched stems provide a naturalistic feel that’s excellent for prairie-style or cottage gardens.
Rudbeckia occidentalis
Native to the western United States, Rudbeckia occidentalis is notable for its lack of traditional petals; instead, it sports a prominent dark brown to black cone surrounded by short, greenish bracts or tiny, inconspicuous ray flowers. This gives it a unique, almost sculptural appearance compared to typical Black Eyed Susans. It blooms in mid to late summer and attracts pollinators, making it a fascinating addition for native plant gardens.
Rudbeckia fulgida ‘Goldsturm’ (Dark forms)
While ‘Goldsturm’ is known for its bright yellow petals, some seed suppliers offer darker-petaled strains or mutants with orange to reddish-brown hues. These selections maintain the classic large dark brown central cone and vigorous growth habit. They provide a subtler color variation while keeping the familiar shape and are excellent for cutting gardens and borders.
Heliopsis helianthoides ‘Summer Sun’
Commonly called False Sunflower, Heliopsis helianthoides has a similar flower structure with a dark brown center but petals that range from pale orange to reddish tones rather than pure yellow. ‘Summer Sun’ is a robust perennial reaching up to 5 feet tall, blooming from midsummer through fall. Its drought tolerance and resistance to deer make it a practical and ornamental choice.
Gaillardia aristata (Blanket Flower) – Red and Maroon Varieties
Gaillardia, or Blanket Flower, shares the daisy-like form with a dark center but offers petals in fiery reds, wine, and maroon shades. These petals often have a bi-color effect with yellow tips fading into darker bases, giving a rich, warm palette. Blanket Flowers are heat and drought tolerant, bloom profusely through summer, and attract butterflies, making them a colorful alternative to Black Eyed Susans.
Coreopsis tinctoria ‘Jethro Tull’
This variety of Coreopsis features petals that are red to burgundy with dark centers, resembling the Black Eyed Susan shape but with a more vivid, jewel-toned coloration. ‘Jethro Tull’ is an annual wildflower that self-seeds readily and grows well in poor soils. Its compact size and long bloom period make it a favorite for naturalized gardens and pollinator habitats.
Osteospermum ‘Black Magic’ (African Daisy)
Osteospermum ‘Black Magic’ has striking dark purple to nearly black petals surrounding a dark center, creating a dramatic, almost gothic look. Though not closely related to Black Eyed Susans, it shares the daisy-like structure and dark eye. It thrives in cooler climates and blooms from spring to fall, ideally in well-drained soil and full sun.
Encelia californica (California Brittlebush)
While often sporting yellow petals, some Encelia californica specimens produce orange to reddish hues with a dark brown center. This native shrub is drought tolerant and adapted to coastal environments, offering a wild, natural look. Its flowers are smaller than Black Eyed Susans but retain the radiating petal and dark center pattern, making it a subtle alternative for xeriscaping.
Helianthus annuus ‘Teddy Bear’ (Sunflower with Dark Petals)
Though primarily a sunflower, ‘Teddy Bear’ has petals that can sometimes appear in shades of deep orange to bronze with a dark central disk. It grows densely with fluffy, double petals that give a full, textured look. This variety is popular for cut flowers and adds a warm, autumnal tone to gardens seeking the Black Eyed Susan’s silhouette in richer colors.
How to Choose
When selecting flowers resembling Black Eyed Susans without yellow petals, consider your climate, soil type, and garden style. Native species like Rudbeckia occidentalis or Encelia californica perform best in regions matching their origins and require less maintenance. If you want a long bloom period and pollinator-friendly plants, species like Gaillardia and Coreopsis are excellent. For dramatic color contrast, cultivars such as Rudbeckia ‘Cherry Brandy’ or Osteospermum ‘Black Magic’ offer bold hues but may need more care or specific growing conditions. Also, note whether you prefer perennials or annuals, as this affects replanting and garden planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are these flowers related to Black Eyed Susans?
Most are in the Asteraceae family and share similar flower structures, but some, like Osteospermum, are in different genera. Their resemblance lies mostly in flower shape rather than close botanical relation.
Q: Can these flowers grow in the same conditions as Black Eyed Susans?
Many can tolerate similar full sun and well-drained soils, but some prefer drier or more specific environments, so check each species’ needs before planting.
Q: Do these flowers attract the same pollinators as Black Eyed Susans?
Yes, species like Rudbeckia, Gaillardia, and Coreopsis attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, supporting garden biodiversity.
Q: Are any of these flowers deer resistant?
Heliopsis helianthoides and some Gaillardia varieties are moderately deer resistant, but local deer preferences vary widely.
Q: How tall do these flowers typically grow?
Growth height varies from about 1 to 5 feet depending on the species and cultivar, so choose based on your garden’s space and design.
Q: Can these flowers be used as cut flowers?
Many, including Rudbeckia ‘Cherry Brandy’, Gaillardia, and Osteospermum, make excellent cut flowers with good vase life.
Final Thoughts
If you want the familiar, sunny form of Black Eyed Susans but crave petals in shades beyond yellow, there’s a rich palette of options to explore. From deep reds and burnt oranges to near-black petals, these flowers maintain the iconic dark central cone while adding fresh color dynamics to your garden. Whether you prefer native wildflowers, long-blooming perennials, or dramatic annuals, these choices provide versatility and charm without losing the essence that makes Black Eyed Susans so beloved.
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