A true garden classic, perennial plant with dramatic 1- to 2-inch, sunny, golden-yellow blooms encasing a chocolate brown/black cone center, Rudbeckia fulgida 'Goldsturm' (or Black Eyed Susan as she is commonly called) promises to deliver height, depth and contrast to any landscape. She is outstanding in mass plantings, as a border perennial, or as groundcover sure to choke out most weeds.

Tolerant of heat, drought and poor soil, perennials do not come any easier or more hardy and striking. It's practically a gardening crime not to include this stately beauty amongst your perennials.

Sometimes misspelled as 'Goldstrum', the leaves are coarse, dark-green, lanceolate to ovate, and 3-6 inches long; its stem leaves are smaller, almost bract-like. From mid-July to October, the "gold storm" can blanket the tops of 18- to 30-inch tall plants.

'Goldsturm' works exceptionally well in both residential and commercial landscapes, because of its durability and dramatic visual impact. It attracts butterflies, makes an excellent cut flower, and adapts to a wide variety of soil conditions. Once established, it spreads rapidly. Deadheading is recommended to prolong the blooming season; this is one of the plants whose seeds drive birds crazy.

In the winter, its black stems and seed-heads add contrast and texture to the muted tans of other ornamental grasses. Though tolerant of poor soils and mild droughts, it grows best in well-drained, consistently moist soil.

Hover over or click the butterfly thumbnails below for photographs of butterflies on this plant.
This plant is available for 25% off in our Butterfly Mix.

Specifications

• Cold hardiness zone: 3-10 (-40 degrees F) - Contact your local extension to confirm hardiness if you are in a fringe zone (we cannot guarantee hardiness in fringe zones)
• AHS Heat Zone: 9-1
• Light: Full sun   Part sun
• Growth rate: Moderate to fast
• Mature height: 18-30"
• Spread: 12-24"
• Spacing: 12-24"
• Tolerant of: Deer, Rabbits
• pH of Soil: 5.5 - 7.7, Ideal pH: 6.0 - 7.0
• Attracts: Birds, Butterflies
• Grows Under Trees: Conifer - No, Walnut - Yes, Other - Yes
• Long bloom time: Yes
• Native to the U.S.: Yes

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