How much water does it need?

Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. During the first year, check the soil every 5 days.

Yes, if the soil stays waterlogged, the roots can suffocate. Ensure your soil has good drainage.

Why is my Black-eyed Susan drooping? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Stick your finger an inch into the soil to check for moisture.
Check if the drooping happens only during the hottest part of the day.
Look for signs of wilting even when the soil is damp.

Likely causes

Underwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves and stems look limp and feel dry to the touch. The soil surface feels hard and pulls away from the edges of the pot or garden bed.
What to do: Give the plant a deep, thorough watering until the soil is moist 2 to 3 inches down. Maintain a schedule of watering every 5 to 10 days depending on the heat.
Heat Stress
Possible
How to tell: The plant droops during the hottest part of the afternoon but perks up again in the evening. This is a temporary reaction to intense sun.
What to do: Apply a 2 inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant to keep the roots cool. Ensure the plant is getting enough water to handle the high temperatures.

Drooping in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your black-eyed susan

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

It is normal for plants to wilt slightly in extreme afternoon heat. Worry if the plant stays wilted even after the sun goes down or after you have watered it.

Stopping it coming back

Mulch the soil to retain moisture and keep the roots cool. Water consistently during the first growing season to help the plant establish a strong root system.

Black-eyed Susan: drooping? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your black-eyed susan and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

How much water does it need?: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. During the first year, check the soil every 5 days.
Can I overwater it?: Yes, if the soil stays waterlogged, the roots can suffocate. Ensure your soil has good drainage.

Guides to these causes

Dehydration

Why is my Black-eyed Susan drooping?