Three years ago I planted rudbeckia next to echinacea, had lovely yellow and purple flowers. This year both came up as yellow rudbeckia!! How is this possible??
Most likely the purple variety died off and only the yellow survived and spread, as this plant readily self seeds.
I would like to know if they'll survive winter and return next spring/summer?
Yes, you can plant Rudbeckia although it is preferable to wait for cooler weather. If you put it in now, provide the plant with afternoon shade, mulch and water every couple of days for a week then weekly when there is no rain. Next year, it will not need this coddling. Rudbeckia hirta is a short-lived plant, often behaving as a biennial so let it go to seed. Other Rudbeckia species behave as typical perennials. It is important for all plants to be well-watered going into winter to prevent winter kill.
WE HAVE GROWN A NUMBER OF THESE FROM LAST YEARS SEEDS AND HAVE LOTS OF GROWTH BUT AS YET NO FLOWERS IS THERE A REASON OR SHOULD I PULL THEM OUT
There are more than 2 dozen native black-eyed susans. A common one, Rudbeckia hirta is a biennial. Usually that means they flower the second year although they might bloom late in the first year. Look up the type of black-eyed susan you have. Some are annuals, biennials and some are perennial. By having different varieties, you can ensure something is in bloom all summer and much of fall. Collect seed if you wish or let them self-sow. The annual and biennial ones are reliable self-sowers.
Brown eye susan when can i pick the flower off to save seeds gan i plant them next year
Seed won't be ready for several weeks after the flower fades. Wait until it is dried out and black - both the seed head and the stem near it. Separate the seed out and make sure it is bone dry. Many native plants, Rudbeckia included, need a cold, moist period before seed will break dormancy. To achieve this, there are 2 options. Option 1 is to sow seed in late fall where you want it to grow. The other option is to save the seed, mix it with a small amount of slightly dampened sand, sterile potting mix or vermiculite and store in the refrigerator in a plastic bag. Start the seed indoors 4-6 wks before your frost free date. I don't know which type of Rudbeckia you have (Rudbeckia triloba?) but many only form basal leaves the first year. Expect blooms in year two and thereafter. The seeds need light to germinate so don't cover them with soil.
Something as eaten the buds off of all my Gloria daisies. Could this be deer, squirrels, or what? How can I stop this?
It will be difficult to say unless you find physical signs of the pest in question! It could be any of those, or even birds.
We have several articles that will help you to figure out, and resolve whatever is eating your blooms:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/animals/keep-rabbits-out-of-gardens.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/animals/birds-eating-flowers.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/deer/deer-repellents.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/prevent-caterpillars.htm
ike that will survive. Can I plant them now or should I keep them in my garage for the winter and plant in the spring? I live in M organtown, WV.
Rudbeckia is pretty sturdy so you should be able to plant them now. Just make sure you mulch them well.
Heavy clay soil
This collection of articles will help you with their care:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/black-eyed-susan