Plant Profile: Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii ‘Goldsturm’)

There is nothing quite like the look of a mass of black-eyed Susan flowers. Their dark green foliage looks good as the plants grow through the blooming size and the bright golden color of the flowers are a real eye catcher. In addition to their spectacular color they offer many weeks of bloom at a time when most other plants are waning and have to be cut back. They are very easy to grow and can be counted on to grow vigorously and bloom well. They look good with many other garden plants and are an asset in creating the “prairie look”. The clumps increase slowly in size and can be divided often to create large plantings.

Type: Herbaceous perennial.

Bloom: Golden yellow 3-4’ flowers are borne on top of tall plants from late July, through August, tapering off in September until frost.

Size: 24-36” H x 24-36’W.

Light: Full sun but tolerates some shade.

Soil: Average, well drained, moist soil. Needs moisture while growing but tolerates drought once it gets to the flowering stage.

Fertilizer: Apply slow release flower fertilizer in spring

Hardiness: Zones 4-9.

Care: Remove flower stalks in late winter. Needs division every 3 years.

Pests and Diseases: None of importance.

Propagation: Division of clumps in spring or fall; self sows.

Companion plants: Fabulous with ornamental grasses such as fountain grass (Pennisetum aleopecuroides), maiden grass (Miscanthus sinensis ‘Morning Light’ or ‘Gracillimus’) or feather reed grass (Calamagrostos x acutiflora ‘Karl Foster’). Nice paired with red zinnias in an hot border or with Aster fricartii for a cooler look.