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.

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