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Rudbeckia fulgida /rʌdˈbɛ.ki.ə ˈful̠ˡ.d͡ʒi.da/

Common name: Orange coneflower · Perennial coneflower · Goldsturm black-eyed Susan

Rudbeckia fulgida is a herbaceous perennial in the sunflower family (Asteraceae), native to the eastern United States. It bears golden-yellow, daisy-like flowers with dark brown central cones from midsummer into autumn, above clumps of dark green foliage. Unlike the often short-lived Rudbeckia hirta, it is a reliably long-lived perennial, making it a mainstay of perennial borders and prairie-style plantings. Its cultivar 'Goldsturm', introduced in 1937, was named the 1999 Perennial Plant of the Year.

Fun facts

  • The cultivar 'Goldsturm' ("gold storm" in German) was named Perennial Plant of the Year in 1999.
  • The species epithet "fulgida" means "shining" or "glistening" in Latin, describing its bright flowers.
  • It spreads by rhizomes to form expanding clumps, unlike the tap-rooted Rudbeckia hirta.
  • Its blooms attract butterflies and native bees, and goldfinches eat the seed heads in autumn.

Care summary

Sun Full sun to light partial shade
Water Medium; tolerates some drought once established
Soil Moist, well-drained; tolerates clay
Hardiness Zones 3–9
Mature height About 60–90 cm (2–3 ft)
Pet safe May be mildly toxic to cats and dogs if eaten
Difficulty Easy
Propagation Divide established clumps in spring or autumn, lifting the plant and pulling or cutting the root mass into sections each with several shoots, then replant immediately. It can also be grown from seed sown in spring, though seed-grown plants vary from the parent cultivar.

Make your own Orange coneflower · Perennial coneflower · Goldsturm black-eyed Susan profile

Common problems

    • Space plants for open air flow
    • Water at the base, not overhead
    • Remove badly infected foliage promptly
    • Remove and bin spotted leaves
    • Avoid wetting leaves when watering
    • Rotate planting spots each year
    • Spray colonies off with water
    • Dab heavy clusters with soapy water
    • Welcome hoverflies and ladybirds
    • Grow in lean, well-drained soil
    • Stake tall clumps early in season
    • Cut back by half in early summer