From our perspective as Tall Black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia hirta), our primary goal is to reach for the sun to maximize photosynthesis. Our varieties, especially those labeled 'Irish Eyes' or 'Cherry Brandy,' can grow 3 to 5 feet tall. At this height, our stems, while reasonably sturdy, are not designed to withstand heavy rain, strong winds, or the sheer weight of our abundant, cheerful flower heads. The combination of a tall, slender stalk and a heavy, water-filled bloom creates a significant lever effect. A slight breeze can easily push our flower heads, which in turn places immense stress on the base of the stem, often leading to bending or breaking. Staking is not an arbitrary human intervention; it is a structural support system that mimics the natural support we would find in a dense prairie planting where we can lean on our neighbors.
The most effective time to provide support is early in our growth cycle, long before we begin to show signs of distress. The optimal moment is when our stems are approximately 12 to 18 inches tall. At this stage, we are young and flexible. Installing stakes or supports now allows us to grow naturally through and around them. Our stems can make gentle contact with the support, which encourages them to strengthen slightly in response. If you wait until we are mature, heavy with buds, and already leaning, the process becomes much more difficult. You risk damaging our stems by trying to straighten them and tying them tightly, which can constrict our vascular tissues—the essential pathways for water and nutrients.
Different support methods suit our growth forms in different ways. The goal is always to provide discreet, effective support that allows for our natural movement and growth.
Single Stake Method: For individual specimen plants, a single, sturdy bamboo or metal stake is ideal. The stake should be driven into the ground about 3 to 4 inches away from the base of our main stem to avoid damaging our root system. As we grow, use soft, flexible ties like garden twine or velcro plant ties to secure the stem to the stake. It is crucial that the tie is loose enough to allow for some stem thickening and movement but tight enough to prevent rubbing.
Pea Stick Method: This is a very naturalistic approach that we particularly appreciate. Pushing branched twigs (like those from birch or hazel) into the soil around us when we are young provides a network of support. We can grow up through the branches, which will hold us upright inconspicuously. The twigs blend into the garden aesthetically and offer multiple points of contact for our stems.
Grow-Through Grid Supports: For a dense clump of Tall Black-eyed Susans, a grow-through support, often a grid made of metal or plastic on legs, is highly effective. This grid should be positioned over the clump early in the season when we are just emerging. As we grow taller, our stems will grow up through the grid squares. The grid will catch us mid-height, providing support exactly where we need it—at the point of greatest leverage—without being overly visible once we reach our full height and foliage fills in.
When tying our stems to a stake, please avoid using wire or rough string that can cut into our bark. Make a figure-eight loop, with the tie around the stake and then around our stem, creating a cushion between us and the support. Furthermore, adequate spacing between plants (typically 18-24 inches) is a form of preventative support. Good spacing ensures sufficient air circulation around our leaves, which helps foliage dry quickly after rain or watering, reducing the risk of fungal diseases like powdery mildew that can weaken our overall structure.
