The traditional 'Black Eyed Susan' a North American Wildflower, is considered an annual (but it is technically a short-lived perennial and may come back for a 2nd or 3rd season). The beautiful 2"-4" wide daisy-like flowers bloom on 1'-3' tall plants from summer to early fall (for an average of 60 days). Black-Eyed Susans will grow in full sun or partial shade and are the most drought-tolerant of all Rudbeckias. They make excellent cut flowers and do well in containers. Though the plants can't be guaranteed to come back the following year, they often reseeds themselves - which makes them great plants in naturalized or wildflower areas.