Rudbeckia Goldstrum
Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii 'Goldsturm'
This Perennial Plant Association Hall of Fame winner delivers an incredible show of bright golden-yellow daisy-like flowers with prominent dark centers from summer through fall. Goldsturm is virtually maintenance-free, drought tolerant once established, and attracts beneficial pollinators while providing seeds for birds in winter. It's the perfect choice for naturalizing and creates stunning mass plantings in sunny borders.
Sun
rud-BEK-ee-ah ful-JEE-duh
Zones
3–9
USDA hardiness
Height
2-3 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Rudbeckia Goldstrum in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 flower →Zone Map
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Rudbeckia Goldstrum · Zones 3–9
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
| Zone | Indoor Start | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3 | April – May | June – July | June – August | — |
| Zone 4 | March – April | June – June | June – July | — |
| Zone 5 | March – April | May – June | May – July | — |
| Zone 6 | March – April | May – June | May – July | — |
| Zone 7 | February – March | April – May | April – June | — |
| Zone 8 | February – March | April – May | April – June | — |
| Zone 9 | January – February | March – April | March – May | — |
| Zone 10 | January – January | February – March | February – April | — |
Complete Growing Guide
Light: rud-BEK-ee-ah ful-JEE-duh. Soil: Clay, Shallow Rocky. Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist, Occasionally Dry. Height: 2 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 12 inches-3 feet. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: 'Early Bird Gold' 'Little Goldstar'Fair amount of resistance to abiotic disorder and southern blight. 'Viette's Little Suzy'10-15 inches tall, 'Early Bird Gold', 'Little Goldstar', 'Viette's Little Suzy'. Propagation: Division, Seed. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
Harvest time: Fall
Bloom time: Fall, Summer
Storage & Preservation
Fresh cut Rudbeckia Goldstrum stems last 7-10 days in vases when properly conditioned. Immediately after cutting, recut stems underwater and place in lukewarm water with floral preservative. Store cut stems in a cool location (60-65°F) away from direct sunlight.
For dried flower preservation, bundle 5-6 stems together and hang upside down in a dark, dry area with good air circulation. Properly dried blooms retain their shape and color for 6-12 months in arrangements. Alternatively, use silica gel for faster drying while maintaining better color retention.
Seed preservation requires thorough drying before storage. Spread cleaned seeds on paper towels for 1-2 weeks, then store in labeled paper envelopes or glass containers with tight lids. Properly stored seeds remain viable for 3-4 years when kept in cool, dry conditions below 50°F.
History & Origin
Rudbeckia fulgida 'Goldstrum' was discovered as a chance seedling in the 1930s at the Foerster Nursery in Germany by renowned perennial breeder Karl Foerster. Foerster, often called the father of modern perennial gardening, recognized this particular black-eyed Susan's superior qualities—compact habit, prolific blooming, and exceptional hardiness compared to the species.
The cultivar name 'Goldstrum' translates to 'gold storm' in German, perfectly capturing the plant's ability to produce masses of golden blooms that create a storm-like effect in the garden. Goldstrum was introduced to American gardens in the 1960s and quickly gained popularity among both home gardeners and landscape professionals.
In 1999, Goldstrum received the prestigious Perennial Plant Association Plant of the Year award, cementing its status as one of America's most reliable and beloved perennials. This recognition highlighted its exceptional performance across diverse growing conditions and climate zones, from the heat of zone 9 to the harsh winters of zone 3. Today, it remains the gold standard by which other black-eyed Susan cultivars are measured.
Advantages
- +Attracts: Butterflies, Pollinators, Songbirds
- +Wildlife value: This plant provides nectar for pollinators. It is a larval host plant to Wavy-lined Emerald (Synchlora aerata) and to Silvery Checkerspot (Chlosyne nycteis) which has one brood in the north and two broods from May-September in the rest of its range. Songbirds, especially American goldfinches, eat the seeds in the fall.
- +Fast-growing
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Purple Coneflower (Echinacea)
Similar growing conditions, attracts beneficial pollinators, creates striking color contrast
Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida)
Extended bloom season together, shared pollinators, similar maintenance needs
Bee Balm (Monarda)
Attracts beneficial insects and hummingbirds, helps deter harmful pests
Sedum
Complementary late-season blooms, attracts butterflies, provides structural contrast
Ornamental Grasses
Provides textural contrast, supports beneficial insects, creates natural windbreak
Asters
Extends pollinator season into fall, similar soil preferences, natural prairie companions
Catmint (Nepeta)
Repels aphids and ants, long blooming period complements Rudbeckia
Yarrow (Achillea)
Attracts beneficial predatory insects, drought tolerant with similar needs
Keep Apart
Black Walnut Tree
Produces juglone which is toxic to many plants including Rudbeckia
Fennel
Allelopathic properties inhibit growth of nearby flowering plants
Mint
Aggressive spreader that competes for resources and can overwhelm Rudbeckia
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #169270)
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Excellent disease resistance, very robust and healthy
Common Pests
Aphids, leaf miners, slugs (rarely problematic)
Diseases
Powdery mildew in humid conditions, crown rot in wet soils