I would cut them back. It can't hurt.

Do you remember what variety you got and whether they were R. hirta, R. fulgida or some other kind of Rudbeckia?

There are many different kinds of rudbeckias and most are perennial, but some are annual or biennial so without knowing which one you bought, we'd just be guessing.

If you transplanted them after the weather already had become pretty hot, it possibly could be transplant shock and, if that's the case, they likely will leaf out again in a few weeks.

If you transplanted them into ground that drains poorly, they could have died, especially if the ground has been staying really wet. Rudbeckias in general have not been very forgiving of my slowly draining red clay and I have had the best luck with most of them in soil that is heavily amended and drains much better than our original clay.

If they were mine and looked totally dead, I'd cut them back hard and make sure the stay evenly moist, but not dry or sopping wet, and watch carefully to see if they try to leaf back out again.

If your drainage is ok, I would cut them back and water them enough to keep the roots alive. They may try to come back or they may wait till next year (if they are the perennials).They are pretty hardy but don't like to stand in wet soil.

good luck

No, I don't remember which variety. I'll have to look to see if I kept the tags. They are planted in an area of the gardens that has excellent soil and drainage. Actually, I can grow most anything there. I'll cut them back tomorrow. Thanks!