Black-eyed Susan

Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii ‘Goldsturm’, often called the classic black-eyed Susan, is a robust perennial prized for its daisy-like golden-yellow flowers and easy-care nature. This cheerful coneflower is a garden favourite, especially in late summer when many other blooms begin to fade.

In this article, we’ll explore why ‘Goldsturm’ stands out from the crowd, how to grow it successfully in your garden, and how to combine it with grasses and other perennials for eye-catching borders and bold drifts of colour. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this guide will give you the confidence to add one of the most reliable performers to your planting palette.

Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii ‘Goldsturm’ is a compact, herbaceous perennial known for its golden-yellow daisy-like flowers with striking black centres. This is the classic black-eyed Susan you’ve likely seen lighting up late summer borders.

Growing to around 60cm tall, it forms neat, bushy clumps of deep green foliage topped with blooms from August to October. The flower heads are eye-catching and upright on strong stems, making them excellent for borders and cutting gardens.

This hardy perennial is part of the larger Rudbeckia family and was selected for its floriferous nature and robust garden performance. The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) awarded it the prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM), confirming its value to UK gardeners.

There’s a reason Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii ‘Goldsturm’ appears in countless garden designs. It combines brilliant, long-lasting colour with incredible ease of care.

For starters, it flowers for weeks—from midsummer into late autumn—offering golden-yellow cheer just when other plants are starting to wane. It’s also easy to grow, tolerant of various conditions, and rarely troubled by pests or diseases. Many gardeners love that it’s a low-maintenance option that delivers high impact.

Its compact size and bushy habit mean it won’t flop or become leggy. It’s a superb front-of-border plant, especially when massed in bold drifts or paired with ornamental grasses.

Plant ‘Goldsturm’ in fertile, moist, well-drained soil in full sun or shade. It prefers well-drained soil in full sun for the best flowering.

Dig in plenty of compost or organic matter when planting to help improve the soil structure and moisture retention. Space plants around 30–45cm apart to allow for healthy air circulation and growth.

This perennial will settle in easily and can even thrive in exposed gardens if the soil is not waterlogged. It’s also a good performer in preferably heavy soil, as long as it drains well.

Yes, you can grow ‘Goldsturm’ in large pots. Choose a container at least 12cm deep with good drainage holes.

Use a peat-free compost mixed with grit or perlite to improve drainage. Water well during dry spells and feed with a liquid fertiliser every few weeks while in bloom.

Container-grown plants won’t grow quite as large as those in the ground, but will still produce a colourful display. They’re perfect for patios or small-space gardens.

This perennial is as easy to care for as it is beautiful. As fresh shoots appear in early spring, cut back last year’s growth to just above ground level.

During the growing season, water during prolonged dry spells and deadhead regularly. In late autumn, you can cut the plant back for a tidy look or leave the seed heads for wildlife.

Every few years, divide congested clumps to rejuvenate them. This keeps the plant vigorous and can be done in early spring or late autumn.

‘Goldsturm’ shines in naturalistic planting schemes and prairie-style gardens. It looks fantastic when paired with ornamental grasses, adding movement and contrast.

Use it in bold drifts for dramatic effect, or combine it with coneflowers like Echinacea purpurea for layered colour. For a striking contrast, try placing it alongside blue or purple perennials.

It also fits beautifully into cottage gardens or mixed perennial borders, especially near paths where flowers can be admired up close.

The yellow flowers attract bees and other pollinators, providing a valuable nectar source from August to October. Later in the year, the seed heads offer food for birds.

Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii ‘Goldsturm’ is a joy to look at and supports local wildlife. This makes it an ideal plant for any gardener wanting to boost biodiversity.

Its strong stems and long flowering season make it a reliable backbone for pollinator-friendly borders.

The easiest way to propagate this robust perennial is by division. Every three to four years, dig up mature clumps and split them into smaller pieces.

Do this in early spring or late autumn when the plant is dormant. Replant in well-prepared soil and water well to help them establish.

This gives you more plants for free, helps rejuvenate congested clumps, and improves flower production.

Absolutely. While ‘Goldsturm’ stands out, other rudbeckias like Rudbeckia fulgida var. deamii are also excellent performers.

Deamii has slightly larger leaves and a looser habit, giving it a more relaxed feel. Annual rudbeckias, which offer bright summer colour for a single season, are also available.

However, if you want reliability, long flowering, and an easy-to-grow perennial, you can’t go wrong with sullivantii ‘Goldsturm’.

‘Goldsturm’ is trouble-free, but keep an eye out for powdery mildew in overly damp or shady conditions. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering.

Aphids may appear on new growth but are usually manageable with regular inspection or an organic spray. Slugs rarely bother it.

Ensure it’s planted in moist but well-drained soil and receives plenty of sun. This will help avoid most issues and ensure vigorous, healthy growth.

I don’t grow ‘Goldsturm’ in my garden—but I do grow its compact cousin, Rudbeckia fulgida ‘Little Goldstar’, and I love it. It’s perfect for smaller borders or container displays where space is tight, but I still want that late-summer burst of golden colour. What I admire about both varieties is their reliability—once they’re settled in, they just get on with the job with little fuss. The bees can’t resist them either, which is a big win in my book. While ‘Goldsturm’ is the go-to for many gardeners thanks to its award-winning performance and bold presence, if you’re short on space or prefer a slightly neater look, ‘Little Goldstar’ is well worth considering. Whichever you choose, you’ll be adding weeks of vibrant colour and plenty of pollinator appeal to your garden.

• Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii ‘Goldsturm’ is a compact black-eyed coneflower with golden-yellow, daisy-like flowers
• These robust perennial flowers from mid-summer to late autumn provide long-lasting colour in borders and containers
• Grows to around 60cm tall and performs best in well-drained soil in full sun
• Awarded the prestigious Award of Garden Merit by the Royal Horticultural Society
• Ideal for bold drifts, pollinator-friendly gardens, and pairing with ornamental grasses and other herbaceous perennials
• Easy to grow and low-maintenance—just deadhead, divide congested clumps, and enjoy
• Excellent for exposed gardens and urban spaces thanks to its strong stems and neat form
• Drought-tolerant once established, though young plants benefit from regular watering
• Available from nurseries across the UK—look for strong, healthy plants ready to settle in
• One of the best choices for adding colour, wildlife value, and structure to your late-season planting.

Rudbeckia fulgida Goldsturm deserves its reputation as a garden star. Its vibrant colour, long blooming season, and low-maintenance nature make it a valuable addition to any garden. Whether creating a vibrant border, attracting pollinators, or seeking easy-care blooms, Goldsturm delivers outstanding results. Its adaptability and widespread availability ensure its continued popularity among gardeners of all experience levels.

You can find the RHS article on Rudbeckia fulgida Goldsturm here.

For more information on Perennials, please click here.

Q: What is Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii ‘Goldsturm’?

A: It’s a striking variety of black-eyed Susan, cherished for its vibrant golden-yellow flowers and reliability as a long-lived perennial in the garden.

Q: How do I care for my ‘Goldsturm’ coneflower?

A: These coneflowers thrive in well-drained soil and full sun. Water regularly during dry spells, especially in summer, and apply a balanced liquid feed in spring to support healthy growth and blooming.

Q: When do ‘Goldsturm’ black-eyed Susans bloom?

A: ‘Goldsturm’ typically flowers from mid-summer to late autumn, filling the garden with deep yellow blooms, attracting bees and other pollinators.

Q: Will the perennial die back in winter?

A: Like many herbaceous perennials, ‘Goldsturm’ dies back at the end of the season. But don’t worry—it reliably returns with fresh growth in early spring.

Q: Can I grow ‘Goldsturm’ coneflowers in my grass garden?

A: Absolutely! ‘Goldsturm looks fantastic with ornamental grasses, especially in naturalistic or prairie-style plantings—plant in bold groups for the best visual impact.

Q: Are ‘Goldsturm’ black-eyed Susans deer-resistant?

A: They are generally deer-resistant, making them an excellent choice for gardens where browsing animals are problematic.

Q: How tall do ‘Goldsturm’ coneflowers grow?

A: They usually reach around 60–90cm (2–3 feet) tall, providing lovely mid-border height without overwhelming nearby plants.

Q: Do I need to deadhead my ‘Goldsturm’ black-eyed Susans?

A: Deadheading isn’t essential, but it helps promote further blooming and keeps your display neat throughout the season.

Q: Can I use ‘Goldsturm’ in container gardening?

A: Yes, you can grow ‘Goldsturm’ in containers. Choose a large pot with good drainage, and remember to water and feed regularly for the best results.

Q: Where can I buy Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii ‘Goldsturm’?

A: You’ll find ‘Goldsturm’ available at most good garden centres and from a wide range of online nurseries across the UK. Look for healthy, established plants for the best performance in your garden.