Dark golden-yellow petals surround the dark black, central cone on this black-eyed Susan selected for larger flowers and shorter height. It's a wonderful addition to the late summer/early fall garden, attracting pollinators for the nectar and songbirds for the seeds. It's considered a short-lived perennial; let some of the flowers mature and disperse their seeds to insure continuity in the displays over years. Full sun, well-drained soils, average moisture, and low fertility are all critical to success.