
Rudbeckia ‘Goldsturm’ is a tremendous perennial that brings a vibrant splash of golden yellow to any garden for a long period over the summer months.
This hardy plant boasts daisy-like flowers with dark brown centres that attract both gardeners and pollinators alike.
Rudbeckia Goldsturm is always a mainstay in my garden. It is reliable bloomer and works well in mixed perennial borders, mass plantings, and cut flower gardens.
It works beautifully with ornamental grasses, purple coneflowers (Echinacea), Helenium, and Russian sage (Perovskia), creating a naturalistic, prairie-style aesthetic.
Whether used as a focal point or as part of a mixed perennial garden, Rudbeckia ‘Goldsturm’ will always add a cheerful and long-lasting display of flowers to your garden.

All about the Rudbeckia ‘Goldsturm’
Rudbeckia ‘Goldsturm’ is a selection of the North American native species Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii. It was discovered in 1937 by Heinrich Hagemann at the nursery of Karl Foerster in Potsdam, Germany. This cultivar’s name, ‘Goldsturm’, means “gold storm” in German, aptly describing its profuse golden blooms.
Key Rudbeckia ‘Goldsturm’ facts
- Scientific name and any synonyms: Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii ‘Goldsturm’
- Meaning of scientific plant name: Rudbeckia honours Olaus Rudbeck, a Swedish botanist; fulgida means “shining” in Latin
- Common names: Black-eyed Susan, coneflower, orange coneflower
- Plant family: Asteraceae (daisy family)
- Place of origin of the plant: Eastern and Central North America
- Type of plant: Herbaceous perennial
- Size: 60-90 cm tall and 45-60 cm wide
- Foliage: Dark green, ovate to lanceolate leaves, slightly hairy
- Flowers: Golden yellow, daisy-like flowers with dark brown central cones; blooms from midsummer to early autumn
- Seeds: Small, dry achenes produced after flowering. The seed-heads are beautiful in themselves and add structure to the garden if left intact over winter
- Toxicity: According to the ASPCA, Rudbeckia species are non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. However, ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some animals.

Rudbeckia ‘Goldsturm’ care requirements
Requirement | Details |
---|---|
Light requirements: | Full sun to partial shade |
Water and humidity requirements: | Moderate water needs; tolerant of short dry spells once established |
Temperature requirements: | Hardy from -34°C to 38°C (-30°F to 100°F); UK hardiness zone H6, US zones 3-9 |
Soil requirements: | Well-draining, moderately fertile soil; tolerates a range of pH |
Feeding requirements: | Light feeder; annual application of balanced, slow-release fertiliser in spring |
Propagation: | Division, seed sowing, or stem cuttings |
Pruning: | Cut back dead foliage in late winter or early spring |

Best Rudbeckia ‘Goldsturm’ cultivars
- Rudbeckia ‘Goldsturm’: The classic cultivar with golden yellow flowers and dark centres; grows to 60-90 cm tall.
- Rudbeckia ‘Little Goldstar’: A compact variety reaching only 40-50 cm tall, with abundant golden flowers.
- Rudbeckia ‘Viette’s Little Suzy’: Another compact form growing to 45 cm, with prolific blooms and good drought tolerance.
- Rudbeckia fulgida var. deamii: Slightly taller than ‘Goldsturm’ at 90-120 cm, with larger flowers and more drought tolerance.
- Rudbeckia ‘American Gold Rush’: A newer cultivar with excellent disease resistance and a compact habit, reaching 55-65 cm tall.

How to grow the Rudbeckia ‘Goldsturm’
Soil and Feeding
Rudbeckia ‘Goldsturm’ thrives in well-draining, moderately fertile soil. While it can adapt to various soil types, it prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0). To improve drainage and fertility, incorporate organic matter such as compost into the planting area.
Feed ‘Goldsturm’ annually in spring with a balanced, slow-release fertiliser. Avoid over-fertilising, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers. In poor soils, a light top-dressing of compost in spring can provide additional nutrients.
Watering
While established plants are relatively drought-tolerant, regular watering during the first growing season is crucial for developing a strong root system. Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on rainfall and soil conditions. Once established, Rudbeckia ‘Goldsturm’ can tolerate short dry spells but benefits from consistent moisture during hot, dry periods.
Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot and fungal diseases. Ensure good air circulation around plants to prevent foliar diseases.
Pruning
Pruning Rudbeckia ‘Goldsturm’ serves several purposes: maintaining plant shape, encouraging reblooming, and preparing for winter.
- Deadheading: Remove spent flowers regularly during the flowering season to encourage continued flowering and prevent self-seeding.
- Mid-season pruning: If plants become leggy, cut them back by about one-third in midsummer to promote bushier growth and a second flush of blooms.
- Winter preparation: In late autumn or early winter, cut back the stems to about 10-15 cm above ground level. Alternatively, leave the seed-heads for winter interest and bird food, cutting back in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges.

Propagation
The most common method of propagating Rudbeckia ‘Goldsturm’ is through division. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Divide plants in early spring or autumn.
- Water the plant thoroughly the day before dividing.
- Dig up the entire clump, preserving as much of the root system as possible.
- Gently separate the clump into smaller sections, ensuring each division has several healthy shoots and roots.
- Replant the divisions at the same depth as the original plant, spacing them 45-60 cm apart.
- Water well and keep the soil consistently moist until new growth appears.

Common Problems & Solutions
- Powdery mildew: White, powdery coating on leaves. Improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering. Apply fungicides if severe.
- Leaf spot diseases: Dark spots on leaves. Remove affected foliage, improve air circulation, and avoid overhead watering.
- Verticillium wilt: Yellowing and wilting of leaves. Remove and destroy affected plants, as there is no cure.
- Aphids: Tiny insects that suck plant sap. Control with insecticidal soap or a strong spray of water.
- Japanese beetles: Chewing damage on leaves and flowers. Handpick beetles or use pheromone traps.
- Slugs and snails: Holes in leaves, especially on young plants. Use beer traps or organic slug pellets.
- Aster yellows: Stunted, yellowed growth and deformed flowers. Remove and destroy affected plants to prevent spread.
By following these guidelines, you can successfully grow and enjoy the vibrant beauty of Rudbeckia ‘Goldsturm’ in your garden.

Martin Cole has been an avid plant lover and gardener for more than 20 years and loves to talk and write about gardening. In 2006 he was a finalist in the BBC Gardener of the Year competition. He is a member of the National dahlia Society.
He previously lived in London and Sydney, Australia, where he took a diploma course in Horticultural studies and is now based in North Berwick in Scotland. He founded GardeningStepbyStep.com in 2012. The website is aimed at everybody who loves plants or has been bitten by the gardening bug and wants to know more.
Gardening Step by Step has been cited by Thompson and Morgan, the UK’s largest mail order plant retailer, as a website that publishes expert gardening content.