Goldsturm Black - Eyed Susan

Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii 'Goldsturm'

Nature Hills Nursery

Prolific Mid-Summer to Fall Blooms Last up to Two Weeks Each on Rudbeckia Goldsturm
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 3-9
Grows 2-3 ft Tall, 1-2 ft Wide
Showy Yellow Blooms From Late Summer to Early Fall
Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Pollution Tolerant

$16⁹⁹

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Plant Size

Quart Container #1 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Give 'Goldsturm' at least six hours of direct, unfiltered sun daily. While it can handle light afternoon shade, be aware that full sun ensures the most vibrant color and the highest flower count on this perennial.
Soil: This plant is adaptable, preferring average, well-drained garden soil that is not overly rich. If you have heavy clay, incorporate a generous amount of well-rotted compost to improve drainage and aeration, preventing potential root issues.

Watering Requirements

Water newly planted specimens deeply once or twice a week during their first season to establish strong root systems. Once established, this perennial is quite drought-tolerant, but it will look its best with a consistent moisture level. If watering is inconsistent during a dry spell, expect to see smaller blooms and overall plant stress.

Pruning Tips

'Goldsturm' blooms on new wood, meaning its cheerful flowers are produced on growth from the current season. Deadhead spent flowers right up to the next leaf set throughout the summer to encourage the plant to produce more buds, which significantly extends your bloom window. You can cut the entire plant down to the ground in late fall or early spring for winter cleanup.

Fertilizer Needs

If your soil is average, you may not need to fertilize at all, as this plant is not a heavy feeder. If growth appears weak, apply a light application of a balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers, especially past mid-summer, because this promotes weak, floppy green growth that will cause the stems to lodge instead of supporting strong flowers.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4	Week of March 30th
Zone 5	Week of March 16th
Zone 6-12	Week of March 2nd

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Cheerful Goldsturm Black-Eyed Susan | Nature Hills

Meet one of the most reliable and radiant perennials you'll ever grow - the Goldsturm Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii 'Goldsturm'). This improved native American wildflower bursts with brilliant golden-yellow petals and bold, chocolate-brown centers that bloom for months. Each flower lasts up to two weeks, creating a nonstop show of sunshine in your garden. Butterflies, honeybees, and songbirds can't resist it!

This P.P.A. Plant of the Year has mounds of rough, dark-green foliage that set off the radiant blooms beautifully. The sturdy stems and strong texture make it a garden classic for cut flower arrangements, while its long bloom season ensures your beds and borders stay bright well into fall. Leave the dried cones standing for winter interest - they catch the snow and provide a feast for hungry birds. A true all-season performer, this plant defines cheerful resilience in the garden.

Native to the American prairies, Rudbeckia has a rich heritage as a symbol of encouragement, endurance, and optimism. Members of the Aster family, these prairie-born perennials have long been beloved by gardeners and pollinators alike for their rugged nature and sunny disposition.

Key Features

Brilliant golden-yellow flowers with dark centers
Long-lasting blooms from summer through fall
Beloved by butterflies, bees, and songbirds
Excellent cut flower and mass planting option
Tough native perennial with drought-tolerant and deer-resistant qualities
Awarded P.P.A. Plant of the Year
Provides winter interest with dried seed heads

Landscaping Uses

This easy-care perennial brings bold color, movement, and texture to your landscape. Growing about 18–24 inches tall, Goldsturm is ideal for sunny beds, Cottage Gardens, Pollinator Gardens, and container displays.

Perfect for mass plantings and colorful borders
Bright accent in mixed perennial gardens
Great filler for open spots or new beds
Ideal for naturalized or meadow-style plantings
Beautiful in containers for porches or patios
Pairs well with Coneflowers, Liatris, and Ornamental Grasses

Care & Maintenance

Hardy in USDA Zones 3–9, the Goldsturm Black-Eyed Susan is an herbaceous perennial that's both tough and rewarding. It thrives in full sun, tolerates a wide range of soil conditions, and is drought-tolerant once established. Learn more detailed tips in our Black-Eyed Susan Planting, Care & Benefits Guide. Don't forget to order your Nature Hills Root Booster to give your plants lifelong mycorrhizal support.

Planting Time: Spring or early fall
Sun Requirements: Full sun (6+ hours of direct light daily)
Soil Requirements: Well-drained soil; adaptable to loam, clay, or sandy soils
Moisture Needs: Keep evenly moist the first year; use the Finger Test before watering
Mulch: Apply a 3–4 inch layer of arborist mulch to protect roots and conserve moisture
Fertilization: Feed in early spring with compost or balanced fertilizer for perennials
Pruning: Deadhead regularly for prolonged blooms; cut back in late fall or early spring
Division: Divide every 3–4 years to maintain vigor and expand your planting
Special Perks: Deer-resistant, drought-tolerant, cold-hardy, low maintenance

Brighten Up Your Garden with Goldsturm!

Bring sunshine to every corner of your yard with the award-winning Goldsturm Black-Eyed Susan! Its radiant blooms, wildlife value, and carefree nature make it a must-have for every sunny garden. Order your Goldsturm Black-Eyed Susan from Nature Hills today and enjoy waves of golden cheer for years to come!

Botanical Name

Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii 'Goldsturm'
Class

Asterales
Species

fulgida var. sullivantii
Cultivar

Goldsturm
Growing Zones

3-9
Height

2-3 ft
Width

1-2 ft
Sunlight

Full sun
Growth Rate

Fast
Flower Color

Yellow
Leaf Color

Green
Native

Yes
Bloom Period

Late Summer, Early Fall
Does Not Ship To

AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

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Growing Zones 3-9

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Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Goldsturm Black-Eyed Susan suitable for?

Goldsturm Black-Eyed Susan thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3-9, making it suitable for most of the United States. This hardy native perennial tolerates both cold winters and hot summers with excellent resilience. Plant it in full sun for best performance and longest bloom season.

How tall and wide will Goldsturm Black-Eyed Susan grow at maturity?

Goldsturm Black-Eyed Susan reaches 18-24 inches tall and spreads 12-18 inches wide at maturity. This compact size makes it perfect for front to middle border placement or container gardens. Space plants 18 inches apart for best results, available at naturehills.com.

Does Goldsturm Black-Eyed Susan prefer full sun or can it tolerate partial shade?

Goldsturm Black-Eyed Susan thrives in full sun for the most abundant blooms. While it can tolerate some light shade, you'll get fewer flowers and potentially weaker stems. Plant in a location with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for best performance.

What type of soil does Goldsturm Black-Eyed Susan need to thrive?

Goldsturm Black-Eyed Susan thrives in well-draining soil and tolerates a wide range of conditions from average to poor soils. This drought-tolerant prairie native actually performs better in lean soils than overly rich ones. Avoid wet, heavy clay that stays soggy in winter.

How often should I water my newly planted Goldsturm Black-Eyed Susan?

Water newly planted Goldsturm Black-Eyed Susan daily for the first week, then reduce to 2-3 times weekly. Once established after 4-6 weeks, this drought-tolerant native needs minimal watering. Deep, infrequent watering works best for strong root development.

How fast does Goldsturm Black-Eyed Susan grow from planting to full size?

Goldsturm Black-Eyed Susan typically reaches its full 18-24 inch height in its second growing season. First-year plants establish their root system and may bloom modestly, while mature clumps develop by year two. Plant in spring for best establishment and expect full-size blooms the following summer.

When does Goldsturm Black-Eyed Susan bloom and how long do the flowers last?

Goldsturm Black-Eyed Susan blooms from summer through fall, with each individual flower lasting up to two weeks. The overlapping bloom cycles create months of continuous color in your garden. Leave spent flowers to encourage more blooms, or deadhead regularly for the tidiest appearance.

Is Goldsturm Black-Eyed Susan deer resistant?

Yes, Goldsturm Black-Eyed Susan is deer resistant due to its tough native heritage and textured foliage that deer typically avoid. This reliable perennial maintains its beautiful golden blooms from summer through fall without deer damage. Plant it confidently in open areas where deer browse frequently.

Does Goldsturm Black-Eyed Susan require regular fertilizing or special care?

Goldsturm Black-Eyed Susan is exceptionally low-maintenance and rarely needs fertilizing once established. This tough native perennial thrives in average soil conditions with minimal care. Simply provide full sun and occasional watering during dry spells for best performance.