Rudbeckia one of the top ten perennials of many gardeners. 'Goldsturm' form a bushy, upright clump with a profuse display of flowers. This compact form of the yolk-yellow black-eyed Susan growing to just 60cm (24in) is short enough not to need staking and with strong stalks, it never flops. It blooms well even in partial shade as long as it gets ample moisture. An excellent cut flower and a great choice for mass planting.

This variety has an incredibly long flowering season, from mid-summer right through to the middle of autumn when the first severe frosts arrive. It thrives in a wide range of climatic zones and succeeds in almost any soil and situation from semi-shade to full sun; it will tolerate quite severe conditions, including clay soils and moderate periods of drought.

Easily raised from seed and a very easy-care plant, It does not spread so fast that frequent division is necessary. Use it between other plants in a flower border to extend the flowering season late into the year.

‘Goldsturm’ was selected by the Perennial Plant Association as the 1999 Perennial Plant of the Year.
It is also a worthy winner of an RHS Award of Garden Merit.

Sowing:
Sow late winter to late spring - February to July or in late summer to autumn - August to October
Seeds are best sown indoors in pots or trays containing a good seed compost. ‘Just cover’ the seed with vermiculite or sieved compost and place in a propagator or warm place maintaining an optimum temperature of 18-20°C (65-70°F) Keep the compost moist but not wet at all times. Germination should occur between 10 to15 days.

Thin to 7.5cm (3in) pots when seedlings have developed 2 proper leaves and are large enough to handle. Remember to handle the seedling by the leaves only, supporting the weight of the seedling under the roots as you transplant.
Harden off by gradually acclimating to outdoor conditions for 10 to15 days before planting out into their permanent positions in spring. Plants transplant well and should be spaced 30 to 45cm (12-15in) apart

Cultivation:
To extend flowering and prevent self-sowing, deadhead the spent flowers, this also makes for a tidier-looking plant. However, there are advantages if the old flowers are left alone, the cones have ornamental appeal after the petals have dropped, birds enjoy the seeds in the winter; and you will enjoy the benefits of seedlings next spring.
Divide plants from in September to March

Plant Uses:
Cottage/Informal Garden, Flower Arranging, Flowers Borders and Beds, Wildflower Gardens or Wildlife Gardens.

Nomenclature:
Rudbeckia was named by Linnaeus to honour his teacher, Olaf Rudbec a Swedish botanist and Professor of Botany at Upsal. The species name ‘speciosa’ means ‘showy’ in Latin. It is pronounced rud-BEK-ee-a spee-see-O-sa.
The genus is part of the Asteraceae, or aster family, which includes such other daisy-flowered genera as Dahlia, Chrysanthemum, and Aster.

Goldsturm was discovered in 1937 by German plantsman Heinrich Hagemann, the development and release of which was delayed for many years by World War II.
He named the plant ‘Goldsturm’, which means ‘Gold Tower’ in German.
‘Fulgida’ means ‘brilliant’ or ‘glittering’ in Latin.