The leaves on my black eyed Susans had white lumps on them earlier this summer. The leaves have now turned black. What is this? I have never seen it before.
It sounds like your black-eyed Susans have a mildew or fungus. Make sure you clean the bed out thoroughly this fall and dispose of all the material. In the meantime, treat your plants with an all purpose fungicide.
We have a plant that we would like to move to a different place in our yard. Can we transplant it and, if so, when is the best time of year to do this? We live in eastern Iowa. Thank you.
While I would recommend transplanting in fall or even spring, as long as you provide them with adequate water while they are establishing themselves, you can do so now. It also helps to make certain that all the roots are included when lifting and sometimes pruning them back will help alleviate transplant shock as well.
I planted some brown eyed susans last year. After they bloomed, I didn't do anything with them and the dead stems and flowers are still there. Am I supposed to cut them back so they bloom again this year?
Yes, you can go ahead and cut these to the ground. Here is more information on growing these plants: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/black-eyed-susan/black-eyed-susan-flower.htm
Rudbeckia triloba, Brown-eyed Susan is a short lived perennial. Now is the time to cut back as Nikki said. If you want the plant to spread, leave the spent blooms on the stalk so mature seed can scatter. If you want the plant to pruduce more blooms, deadhead as flowers start looking bad...that way the plant puts more energy into new blooms instead of making seed.
Why don't my black eyed susans get tall? They spread out but don't have any height. Thank you.
There are several factors that could be the problem. Pinpointing the right one can be difficult. However, here are some things to try: Check your soil conditions. Chances are this is a soil problem. How's your drainage? Is the soil staying too wet or too dry? Amending the soil with compost can help fix these issues. The addition of fertilizer may be helpful but will not solve the issue itself. Dig or poke around in the soil and check for signs of pests (such as grubs). Inspect the plants for pests as well. How much sun are your plants getting, etc.? Finally, check out the variety that you are growing. Many people do not realize that there are different types of black eyed susan plants available including annual, biennial and perennial types. Each variety has varying growth rates and heights. There is also a dwarf variety and this could be what you have.
Many deer in our area. Can we plant Black Eyed Susan vines safely?
This article has the information you're looking for, and more besides: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/black-eyed-susan/black-eyed-susan-flower.htm
Our plant has holes in the leaves throughout the plant. Is that ants or bugs and should we spray?
It definately sounds like something has been nibbling its leaves. Exactly what insect is difficult to say as there are many that it could be, including slugs, caterpillars, etc. I would recommend treating the plant with neem oil, which is a safe and effective insecticide. Here is more information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/problems/pests/neem-oil-uses.htm
Why do my black eyed susans get black spots on the leaves?
These articles may be helpful to you: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/plant-leaf-spots.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/black-spot-fungus.htm