Rudbeckia 'American Gold Rush'

Rudbeckia 'American Gold Rush': Summer’s Golden Glow

Compact, resilient, and brilliantly floriferous, Rudbeckia 'American Gold Rush' is a modern classic bred for performance and beauty. From midsummer to early fall, it produces a dazzling display of golden-yellow flowers with domed black centres that draw pollinators in droves. Its finely textured, disease-resistant foliage forms a tidy mound, creating a glowing anchor in sunny borders. Unlike older cultivars, this selection shrugs off humidity and leaf spot, making it a top choice for reliable late-season colour.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 50–60 cm 
• Spread: 60–75 cm 
• Flower Colour: Golden yellow with black centres
• Flowering Period: Midsummer to early fall
• Foliage: Narrow, deep green foliage with excellent disease resistance
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Average, well-drained soil

Uses and Benefits: This compact powerhouse fits easily into sunny borders, urban gardens, and pollinator patches, where its long bloom season and tidy habit offer both structure and vibrant colour. Its strong stems and mounded form make it equally useful as a front-of-border plant or massed in drifts. Loved by bees and butterflies and deer-resistant to boot, 'American Gold Rush' delivers ornamental value and ecological benefits in equal measure.

Companion Plants: Pair Rudbeckia 'American Gold Rush' with the bold violet blooms of Salvia 'Violet Riot', the upright blue-green blades and fiery fall tones of Schizachyrium 'Standing Ovation', and the richly hued late blooms of Aster 'Grape Crush' for a dynamic, colourful display from midsummer through autumn.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun and water regularly during establishment. Once established, it’s drought tolerant and low-maintenance. No staking needed. Deadheading can extend bloom, though not essential. Cut back in late fall or early spring. Divide every few years to maintain vigour.

History: Bred by Brent Horvath of Intrinsic Perennial Gardens, 'American Gold Rush' is a hybrid of Rudbeckia fulgida, selected for its compact size and resistance to Septoria leaf spot. It earned the 2023 Perennial Plant of the Year™ award—an honour that underscores its garden value and broad adaptability.

Final Thoughts: With its golden glow, disease-free foliage, and unfussy charm, Rudbeckia 'American Gold Rush' is a standout for today’s gardens. It’s a feel-good perennial that brings energy, resilience, and enduring beauty to the height of summer and beyond.