Why We’re Obsessed with Rudbeckia: Goldsturm, American Gold Rush & a Sneak Peek at Echibeckias!

Rooted: Thoughts, Stories and How-To's from Brawley Seed Co.

Few flowers bring summer sunshine into the garden like Rudbeckia, also known as Black-eyed Susans. At our garden center, we’re passionate about these tough, cheerful perennials that thrive in the Piedmont region of North Carolina. Whether you’re planting for bold color, pollinators, or low-maintenance beauty, Rudbeckias are your best friend.

Here’s why we’re loving them this season — and what’s coming this fall!

Native Beauty in the Garden

One of the best things about Rudbeckias is that many varieties are native to North America,

including our region right here in North Carolina. Planting native perennials like Rudbeckia:

• Supports local pollinators and beneficial insects

• Provides reliable performance in our climate

• Helps create healthier, more sustainable landscapes

  
  

Native plants are adapted to our soil and weather, making them tougher and lower-maintenance than many non-native choices.

Goldsturm Rudbeckia

If you’ve ever admired golden-yellow blooms along garden borders, chances are you were looking at Rudbeckia fulgida ‘Goldsturm’.

• Long Bloom Time: Mid-summer through fall

• Brilliant Color: Bright golden petals with a classic dark cone center

• Easy Care: Drought-tolerant once established and rarely bothered by pests

• Great for Pollinators: Bees and butterflies adore it!

  
  

Goldsturm looks amazing planted in sweeping drifts or tucked into mixed perennial beds for a burst of color.

American Gold Rush Rudbeckia

A newer star in the Rudbeckia family, American Gold Rush is stealing the spotlight.

• Compact Size: Grows about 22-24 inches tall

• Super Disease Resistance: More resistant to leaf spot than older varieties

• Bloom Power: Covers itself in golden flowers from midsummer into fall

• Award-Winning: Named Perennial Plant of the Year in 2023!

  
  

Its tidy habit makes American Gold Rush perfect for smaller spaces, containers, or modern landscapes.

A Peek at Echibeckias Coming This Fall!

We’re also excited to share that we’ll have Echibeckias arriving in the fall!

What’s an Echibeckia? It’s a hybrid between Echinacea (coneflower) and Rudbeckia, combining the best of both:

• Large, daisy-like blooms in rich, sunset colors

• Long bloom season from summer into fall

• Robust plants with excellent disease resistance

  
  

Keep an eye out for these unique beauties. They’re perfect for adding fresh texture and color to your fall garden!

Bring Some Sunshine Home!

Whether you choose classic Goldsturm, the modern American Gold Rush, or wait for fall’s Echibeckias, Rudbeckias are must-have native plants for any Piedmont NC garden. Stop by Brawley Seed this week and let us help you pick the perfect varieties to brighten your landscape!

Life's a garden, dig it!

Kari Brawley