| Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii
'Goldsturm' has been selected by the Perennial Plant Association as
the 1999 Perennial Plant of the Year. Acclaimed internationally as one
of the most popular perennials for the past fifty years, its bright golden-yellow
flowers shine in gardens worldwide. In 1937 Heinrich Hagemann observed
a glorious stand of Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii at Gebrueder Schuetz's
nursery in the Czech Republic. Recognizing the superiority over other
commonly-grown Rudbeckia species, Hagemann convinced his employer Karl
Foerster of Potsdam, Germany to propagate his discovery. World War II
interfered with the planned debut of the plant and it was not until 1949
that the triumphant success of Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii renamed 'Goldsturm' began. 'Goldsturm' translates to English as "gold
storm." Heinrich Hagemann, although retired, maintains an active interest
in his company, the world-renowned Hagemann Staudenkulturen. A member
of the Asteraceae (Compositae) family, orange coneflower or black-eyed
Susan has a native range from New Jersey west to Illinois. 'Goldsturm'
orange coneflower is significant in its compact habit and 1-2-inch golden-yellow
petals which encircle a nearly black cone of disk flowers. The leaves
are coarse, dark green lanceolate to ovate, 3-6 inches long; stem leaves
are smaller, almost bract-like. The "gold storm" blankets the tops of
18-30-inch tall plants from mid-July to October. Plant width is 24 inches.
Propagation
This excellent composite can be propagated by seed, division, or stem cuttings. Height and color uniformity can vary in plants grown from seed compared to asexually propagated plants. Germination guidelines prescribe moist chilling for 3-4 weeks at 32-35F followed by 72F germination temperature. Research at The Ohio State University reported an optimal germination temperature for untreated seeds to be 82F to 88F. Seedlings are transplanted 28-38 days after sowing. Clump division is done in early spring or fall with spring preferred. Stem cuttings are taken as the stem tissue begins to harden.
Cultivation
'Goldsturm' is a long-blooming, low maintenance, long-lived perennial
for full sun to partial shade. It tolerates clay soils and mild droughts,
but grows best in well-drained, consistently moist soil. 'Goldsturm'
orange coneflower performs as well in the high heat and humidity of
South Carolina as it does in the -35F winters of Alberta. Plant bare-root
or container-grown plants anytime during the growing season, 18 inches
apart. When establishing a new planting, mulch to retain moisture. 'Goldsturm'
has few pest or disease problems.
Landscape Uses
Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii 'Goldsturm' works exceptionally
well in commercial landscapes because of its durability and dramatic
visual impact. Stiff stems eliminate any need for staking. Rhizomes
spread the semi-evergreen basal leaves thickly enough to shade out weeds
making it an effective non-invasive ground cover. Planted in bold drifts,
the shimmering golden-yellow flowers command attention to the early
fall garden. Its native North American roots make 'Goldsturm' a natural
for meadow gardens providing nectar for butterflies and seeds for overwintering
birds. As a mid-border perennial, 'Goldsturm' adds a brilliant splash
in late summer when combined with the subtle hues of pale blue Perovskia
atriplicifolia or Caryopteris x clandonensis and soft
green Pennisetum alopecuroides. In winter the black stems and
seedheads add contrast and texture against the muted tans of ornamental
grasses. Prolific flowering, low maintenance requirements, and proven
reliability has earned Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii
'Goldsturm' distinction as an award-winning perennial.
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