orange coneflower Interesting Notes

Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii ‘Goldsturm’ is a standard in the industry and no wonder – it is a garden classic with bold texture and upright habit. The bright gold petals with a deep brown cone highlight the garden in late summer with each flower lasting up to two weeks! ‘Goldsturm’ was selected in 1937 for its bright coloring, disease resistance, and compact habit in Germany by Heinrich Hagemann – the name literally translates to ‘gold storm’. Growing up to 30” tall in flower and 24” wide, ‘Goldsturm’ was selected for The Perennial Plant Association's 1999 Perennial Plant of the Year®.

Rudbeckia fulgida grows best in dry to medium soil moisture in rich to average soil organic levels in full sun. Traditionally, this widespread native perennial is found from New Jersey to Indiana to Florida to Texas, preferring open woods, meadows, and pastures to roam. It is a trouble-free plant and the dense basal foliage provides an impenetrable herbaceous layer to suppress weeds. When placed in a good location, black-eyed Susan happily self-sows or spreads by creeping rhizomes. Variety sullivantii can be found in marshes and wet meadows from New York to Arkansas. It is adaptable to a wide variety of soil conditions but is most liked for its ability to tolerate hot, humid summers and some drought. For best display, deadhead flowers to prolong blooming season. This plant is disease and pest resistant.

It’s nearly impossible to find Sullivant’s black-eyed Susan in the trade because ‘Goldsturm’ is such a strong selection. Not only is it beautiful en masse, it makes a wonderful and long lasting cut flower (which is a great way to prolong the bloom by deadheading). The coneflowers provide seeds in the winter for birds and nectar for butterflies in the summer. This plant is striking and versatile, outstanding in mass plantings as well as perennial borders, meadows and prairie gardens.

Rudbeckia fulgida 'Goldsturm' Growing and Maintenance Tips

Adaptable to a wide variety of soil conditions in full to partial sun. Tolerates hot, humid summers and some drought. Deadhead to prolong blooming season. Disease and pest resistant.

Good Substitutions

Rudbeckia 'American Gold Rush'

Rudbeckia fulgida var. fulgida

Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii 'Little Goldstar'

Rudbeckia fulgida var. deamii