Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii 'Goldsturm'

'Goldsturm' black-eyed Susan is a cultivar and is one of the most popular perennials in cultivation. It won the Perennial Plant of the Year Award in 1999 and the Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society in 1993. This herbaceous perennial has a clumping habit with erect stems that reach a height of 18 to 24 inches. The plant has bold dark green foliage, and the flower has rich yellow petal rays with a dark brown center disk. It is a nonstop show of flowers from mid-summer until the first frosts of fall. This cultivar is a member of the Asteraceae or daily family.

'Goldsturm' was first introduced in 1937.

The name, 'Goldsturm,' is German and means "storm of gold" or "golden storm."

'Goldsturm' black-eye Susan performs best in full sun and moist, well-drained soils in hardiness zones 3-9. It is tolerant of partial shade and once established it will become more drought tolerant. To prevent foliar disease good air circulation is needed, particularly in humid climates. Deadheading spent blooms will promote reblooming throughout the season. Remove the dead foliage in the fall. The plant will spread via its rhizomes, and it may also be propagated by division.

'Goldsturm' is easy to grow and requires very little maintenance. The cultivar is more compact than other species and has large flowers measuring up to 4 inches in diameter. Butterflies and bees are attracted to its blooms.

Consider this cultivar as a mass planting in a border, cottage garden, meadow, or naturalized area. This reblooming and long-lasting flower will add bold color to any late summer and fall garden.

Seasons of Interest:

Bloom:  Summer and Fall                 Foliage:  Spring, Summer, and Fall

Quick ID Hints:

• clumping, herbaceous perennial with erect stems, and measuring 18 to 24 inches in height
• oblong to lanceolate, dark green leaves
• large daisy-like flower heads with deep yellow petal rays and dark brown to black center 

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: 'Goldsturm' Blacked-eyed Susan is generally pests and disease-free. It may be susceptible to angular leaf spots, Septoria leaf spots, and powdery mildew. This occurs primarily in humid areas of the southern United States where plants may be crowded. It is best practice to remove dead foliage in the fall and divide the plants to prevent overcrowding. 

VIDEO: Part of the Native Plant Picks series from the North Carolina Sea Grant led Coastal Landscapes Initiative.

Additional video created by Andy Pulte for “Landscape Plant Identification, Taxonomy and Morphology” a plant identification course offered by the Department of Plant Sciences, University of Tennessee.

More information on Rudbeckia.