Rudbeckia 'Little Goldstar'

Rudbeckia 'Little Goldstar': Front-Row Gold That Handles Road Salt

A compact, bushy little clump absolutely buried in golden daisies. 'Little Goldstar' is the kid who gets a gold star for showing up AND A SECOND ONE FOR EXTRA CREDIT.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii 'Little Goldstar'
• Common Name: Black-eyed Susan, orange coneflower
• Height: 35–40 cm (14–16 in)
• Spread: 35–45 cm (14–18 in)
• Flowers: Golden-yellow daisies with dark brown cones, produced in large numbers on a well-branched plant
• Bloom Time: Midsummer to early fall (July to September)
• Foliage: Deep green leaves on a compact, bushy clump
• Features: Seed heads feed finches, salt tolerant, good for containers
• Plant Patent: USPP 22,397

Where to Plant: This is the black-eyed Susan for the front of the border, small city gardens, edging along walks and mixed containers. Plant it in groups for a solid sweep of gold, and since it tolerates some salt, it works near driveways and sidewalks.

Companion Plants: Paeonia 'Cora Louise' brings white peony flowers at 60 to 70 cm in June and July. Clematis 'Stand by Me' adds blue bush clematis flowers from June to August. Chrysanthemum 'Clara Curtis' picks up in August with pink daisies that last into October. This compact rudbeckia fills the front with yellow from July to September.

Plant Care: Plant in full sun to part sun, in average, well-drained soil. Water regularly through the first season. After that it handles dry spells well. Deadhead if you want a tidier look, or leave the seed heads standing for the birds and for winter interest. Cut back in early spring. Divide every three to four years in spring if the centre of the clump starts to thin.

History: 'Little Goldstar' was introduced by Jelitto Perennial Seeds of Germany as a genetically compact Rudbeckia fulgida that improves on 'Goldsturm', with a shorter, sturdier, more floriferous habit. It is propagated by tissue culture, so every plant grows the same way.

Final Thoughts: Salt tolerant, drought tolerant and great in a pot. The finches clean up the seed heads. SMALL PLANT, LOUD RESUME.