From our perspective as Black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia hirta), the question of support is fundamentally about our natural growth habit. We are not vines; we do not possess tendrils, twining stems, or any other specialized structures for climbing. Our growth form is technically classified as "erect" or "clump-forming." We develop strong, fibrous, and somewhat hairy central stems that are inherently designed by nature to stand upright and support the weight of our foliage and iconic flower heads. Our stems are robust and self-reliant, evolved to withstand the elements in our native prairie and open woodland habitats.
While our design is for independence, certain environmental conditions can test our structural integrity. The primary challenge is not our own weight, but external forces. In a garden setting, if we are planted in a location that is too rich in nitrogen, our growth may become excessively lush and rapid. This can result in taller, slightly weaker stems that are more susceptible to bending. Furthermore, if we are positioned in a part of the garden that receives intense, consistent wind or heavy, pounding rainstorms, these forces can physically push us over. A lack of adequate sunlight may also cause us to become "leggy," stretching thin and weak to reach for the light, compromising our stem strength.
In the wild, we rarely grow in isolation. Our most effective and natural support system is each other. When planted in a dense grouping or drift, our stems grow closely together. Our leaves and stems interlace, creating a living latticework that provides mutual structural support. The entire colony stands strong, with each plant bracing its neighbors against the wind and rain. This mass planting also creates a microclimate that conserves moisture and suppresses weeds, allowing us to direct more energy into building strong stems and prolific blooms. For a gardener, this is the most aesthetically and ecologically harmonious method of ensuring we remain upright.
There are specific instances where the provision of a trellis or support, while not a strict necessity, can be a helpful gesture. This is most relevant for some of our taller perennial cousins, like the Rudbeckia maxima or certain cultivars of Rudbeckia nitida, which can reach heights of 6-7 feet. For the more common varieties, support may be considered if we are planted in an exceptionally exposed, windy site, or if an individual plant is showing pronounced signs of leaning or splaying open in the center. In these cases, discreet peony rings or grow-through grid supports installed early in the season are preferable to a traditional vertical trellis. They allow us to grow through them, providing invisible support that mimics the function of a plant community without restricting our natural form.
To state it plainly: our biological blueprint does not require a trellis. We are self-supporting perennials and annuals. The need for added support is not an innate characteristic of our species but is instead a response to specific, and often suboptimal, garden conditions. The best practice is to replicate our natural preferences: plant us in full sun, avoid over-fertilizing, and most importantly, plant us in a community. This allows us to thrive in our intended form—proud, upright, and supporting one another, just as we do on the open prairie.
