Rudbeckia Goldstrum Black Eyed Susan

Rudbeckia ‘Goldsturm’ is a classic Black-eyed Susan — bursting with masses of cheerful, sunshine-yellow blooms from July right through to autumn. It’s a real magnet for bees and butterflies, and if you leave the seedheads standing, you may spot goldfinches snacking on them later in the year. Long-lasting in the garden and the vase, this variety is a hardworking favourite.

🌸 Flowering: July to October

📏 Height: to 60-70cm

🌿Perennial

SOW: from March to April, start seeds in pots or modules of seed compost. Cover lightly with perlite or vermiculite, then pop into a plastic bag and keep at around 18°C. Germination takes about 2 weeks—remove the bag as soon as shoots appear.

GROW: once seedlings have their first true leaves, pot on if needed. Keep moist and grow them on until they’re big enough to harden off. Then plant out 30-45cm apart in a sunny or lightly shaded spot.

ENJOY: a sea of late-season colour, great for pollinators and garden birds. Cut a few for indoors — the bold daisy-like blooms last well and lift any arrangement.

📌USES

Wildlife-friendly

• Bees and butterflies love the rich late-season nectar Rudbeckia provides, especially bumblebees (like Buff-tailed and White-tailed Bumblebees) and butterflies such as Painted Lady and Small Tortoiseshell.
• Leaving seedheads through winter attracts goldfinches and other seed-eating birds, which rely on these nutritious seeds during colder months.
• The sturdy stems and dense foliage offer shelter for beneficial insects like ladybirds and lacewings that prey on aphids.
• Extends pollinator interest into autumn when many flowers are fading, supporting late-season foraging and adding valuable habitat diversity as part of mixed perennial plantings.

Suits

• Sunny borders and mixed flowerbeds
• Late-season colour schemes
• Wildlife-friendly planting
• Prairie-style or naturalistic gardens
• Cut flower patches
• Low-maintenance perennial beds