Rudbeckia f. v. sul.'Goldsturm

Description and Characteristics

Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii 'Goldsturm', commonly known as Black-Eyed Susan ‘Goldsturm’, is a classic and award-winning herbaceous perennial valued for its vivid golden-yellow flowers with distinctive dark brown centres. Renowned for its prolonged bloom time, robust nature, and wildlife-friendly appeal, 'Goldsturm' is a must-have for summer and autumn gardens.

This variety forms a tidy, bushy clump of dark green, lance-shaped leaves, from which emerge sturdy stems bearing daisy-like flowers approximately 8–10 cm across. Blooming from mid-summer through early autumn, it provides a continuous display of cheerful colour and pairs well with ornamental grasses and other late-season perennials.

‘Goldsturm’ grows to around 60–70 cm tall and spreads up to 50 cm, making it ideal for borders, prairie-style plantings, or mass displays. It also performs well in wildlife gardens, where it attracts bees, butterflies, and later in the season, seed-eating birds.

• Masses of golden-yellow daisy flowers with dark cones

• Long flowering period: July to October

• Height: 60–70 cm; Spread: 40–50 cm

• Clump-forming, upright growth habit

• RHS Award of Garden Merit winner

• Excellent for cutting gardens, borders, and naturalistic planting

Growing Conditions and Maintenance

Rudbeckia 'Goldsturm' is a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and hardy perennial that thrives in a wide range of conditions. It is ideal for both experienced and beginner gardeners looking for easy, long-lasting colour.

• Light Requirements:

  • Prefers full sun for maximum flowering

  • Tolerates light partial shade but may produce fewer blooms

• Soil Preferences:

  • Grows best in moist, well-drained soil

  • Adaptable to a variety of soils, including clay, loam, or sandy soil

  • Tolerates poor soil but appreciates organic enrichment

• Watering Needs:

  • Water regularly during establishment

  • Once established, it is moderately drought-tolerant

  • Mulch in spring to conserve moisture and suppress weeds

• Feeding:

  • Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring

  • Overfeeding may cause excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers

• Pruning and Maintenance:

  • Deadhead regularly to encourage continued blooming

  • Cut back to the ground in late autumn or early spring

  • Divide every 3–4 years to rejuvenate clumps and prevent overcrowding

• Winter Care:

  • Hardy in Zones 3–9 (RHS H7)

  • No special winter protection needed

  • Can leave seed heads standing for winter interest and bird food

Garden Uses, Companion Plants, and Pollinator Benefits

‘Goldsturm’ is a reliable choice for bold seasonal colour, wildlife support, and low-maintenance landscaping. It performs beautifully in a wide range of settings, from formal borders to prairie-style gardens.

• Design Applications:

  • Ideal for perennial borders, cottage gardens, meadows, and wildlife-friendly beds

  • Excellent for mass planting, edging, or as a reliable mid-border filler

  • Great in cut flower gardens—blooms last well in vases

• Companion Plants:

  • Pairs beautifully with Echinacea, Salvia, Sedum, Perovskia, and Miscanthus

  • Contrasts nicely with purple and blue-flowering plants for vibrant combinations

  • Works well with asters, ornamental grasses, and Joe-Pye weed (Eutrochium)

• Pollinator Benefits:

  • Flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hoverflies throughout summer and early autumn

  • Dried seed heads feed finches and other birds in late autumn and winter

  • Adds biodiversity value to pollinator corridors and wildlife gardens

• Container Use:

  • Can be grown in large pots or planters with free-draining compost

  • Position in full sun and ensure consistent watering during dry spells

  • Combine with other drought-tolerant sun-lovers for mixed displays

• Pest and Disease Resistance:

  • Generally pest-free and disease-resistant

  • May occasionally suffer from powdery mildew—avoid overcrowding and water at the base

  • Minimal problems with pests due to its tough nature

• Size
  3L

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

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If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.