Rudbeckia - fulgida 'Goldsturm' / black-eyed susan

Rudbeckia fulgida 'Goldsturm', also known as Black-Eyed Susan, is a classic garden favorite with bright yellow, daisy-like flowers and dark centers that bloom from mid-summer through fall. This herbaceous perennial is native to North America and is known for its long-lasting blooms, easy care, and wildlife attraction.

Product Characteristics:
• Height: 60-90 cm (24-36 in)
• Spread: 45-60 cm (18-24 in)
• Flower color: Golden yellow petals with dark brown center cones
• Flowering period: Mid-summer to fall
• Foliage: Dark green, lance-shaped leaves
• Sunlight requirements: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil requirements: Well-draining soil, pH 5.5-7.5
• Hardiness Zone: 2

Uses:
Rudbeckia fulgida 'Goldsturm' is a versatile plant that can be used in many garden settings. It's a great choice for borders, meadow gardens, cottage gardens, and wildlife gardens. The long-lasting blooms make it an excellent cut flower for arrangements.

Benefits:
This plant is known for its hardiness and drought tolerance, making it an excellent choice for low-maintenance gardens. It's also attractive to butterflies, bees, and other pollinators, making it a great addition to wildlife gardens. As a perennial, it will come back year after year, providing long-lasting beauty to your garden.

Companion Plants:

• Sorghastrum nutans - Indian Grass: The upright habit and yellow fall color of the Indian grass provide a nice contrast to the Rudbeckia blooms.
• Achillea millefolium 'Paprika' - Yarrow: The bright red flowers of the yarrow provide a nice contrast to the yellow blooms of the Rudbeckia.
• Festuca glauca 'Elijah Blue' - Blue Fescue: The fine, blue-gray foliage of the fescue provides a nice contrast to the bold foliage of the Rudbeckia.

Care Instructions:
Rudbeckia fulgida 'Goldsturm' is a low-maintenance plant that requires little care once established. It prefers well-draining soil, so make sure to amend heavy clay soils with compost or other organic matter. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system, but once established, it can tolerate drought. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage new flowers and prevent self-seeding.

Final Thoughts:
Rudbeckia fulgida 'Goldsturm' is a classic garden plant that has stood the test of time for good reason. Its bright, cheery blooms, hardiness, and wildlife attraction make it an excellent choice for any garden. Consider planting it alongside Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Hameln' for a beautiful and easy-to-care-for garden pairing.