Rudbeckia

(Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii Goldsturm and R. fulgida Early Bird Gold)

• Cultivars: Goldsturm and Early Bird Gold

• Common Name: Black-eyed Susan

• Recommended Use: Herbaceous perennial, border, landscape, containers

• Exposure: Full sun

• Size: 2 to 3 feet tall, 18 to 24 inches wide

• Habit: Upright, clumping

• Bloom Time: Summer and fall

• Maintenance Category: Low

• Water Use: Average

• Highlights: Tolerates heat, humidity and clay soils; pollinator; fast growing

Summary

Rudbeckia is an herbaceous perennial that is part of the daisy family (Asteraceae). Known frequently by its common name, black-eyed Susan, this wildflower is native to North America. Two rudbeckia varieties in particular have been named Louisiana Super Plants: Goldsturm and Early Bird Gold. Goldsturm was introduced in 1937 by German nurseryman Karl Forester, and Early Bird Gold was discovered in a field of Goldsturm in 2005 right in our backyard at Dupont Nursery in Plaquemine, Louisiana.

Rudbeckia grows in clumps and spreads by underground rhizomes. They can easily be divided in the fall or spring to increase plantings. Foliage persists through the winter months, providing a nice green groundcover when other plants go dormant. Rudbeckia produces branched flower stalks, each sporting a multitude of blooms. True to its name, Goldsturm (meaning “golden storm” in German) features an abundance of flowers with golden yellow petals surrounding a dark brown center. Though most commonly found in shades of yellow, gold and orange, Rudbeckia hybrids have been developed that boast pink and even light green petals. Rudbeckia flowers are long-lasting, with most rudbeckias beginning to flower in midsummer when days are long and lasting through fall. Early Bird Gold is a day-neutral variety meaning it doesn’t require the long days that other rudbeckias need in order to begin flowering. Early Bird Gold sends out flowers in late spring for an extended growing season. The flowers are a nectar source for bees, butterflies and other pollinators, while the seeds that form in the fall and winter months provide food for birds and other small animals.

Rudbeckia prefers well-drained soil but can tolerate poorer conditions such as dry or clay soil. Though tolerant of part-shade conditions, plant rudbeckia in full sun for the best flowering. Rudbeckia is a great perennial to add to the landscape as a border or filler plant in cottage gardens. The blooms can also be cut and used in floral arrangements. As a wildflower native to the southeast, rudbeckia is well adapted to the heat and humidity that comes with the terrain. The prolific, long-lasting blooms of both Goldsturm and Early Bird Gold will make them the perfect addition to any landscape in Louisiana for you to enjoy year after year.

Requirements

• Rudbeckia performs well in full sun (six to eight hours of direct sunlight).

• Irrigate regularly until established (seven to 10 days). After establishment, plants can tolerate mild drought conditions.

• Plants prefer well-drained soil with a pH of 5.5-6.5.

• Plant either in fall — about six weeks before the average first frost date — or in the spring after all danger of frost has passed.

Growth Habit

• Rudbeckia Goldsturm and Early Bird Gold have upright growth habits. Goldsturm reaches 36 inches tall and 18 to 24 inches wide, while Early Bird Gold is more compact, only reaching about 18-24 inches tall and wide.

• Plants form clumps and spread by rhizomes.

• Rudbeckia is suitable as a border planting in the landscape or as a thriller feature in container plantings.

• Space plants 18 to 24 inches apart.

Care and Maintenance

• Fertilize with a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring.

• Apply mulch around the base of the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

• Deadhead flowers to clean up the look of the plant and encourage more blooms.

• Remove dead foliage in fall before new leaves emerge in spring.

• Rudbeckia has no major pest or disease issues and is resistant to deer and rabbit grazing.

• Little information exists on the safety of preemergence herbicides for use around Rudbeckia fulgida, specifically. Some landscape preemergence herbicide products, such as those containing pendimethalin, dithiopyr or trifularlin, are safe for use around other Rudbeckia species and allow for use around unlisted plants so long as the user first tests the product in a small area to ensure there is no injury to desirable plants. Consider performing such a test if preemergence herbicides are needed. It is the applicator’s responsibility to follow all labeled instructions when using herbicides.

• Postemergence herbicides containing caprylic and capric acids (Fireworxx, HomePlate, others) may be used in targeted applications to emerged weeds so long as the spray solution does not contact rudbeckia shoots or foliage. Follow all product label directions and restrictions when using herbicides.

Ashley R. Hickman is a contributing author.

For more information on rudbeckia and other Louisiana Super Plants, contact your local LSU AgCenter Extension office or visit www.LSUAgCenter.com/SuperPlants

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6/1/26
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