American Gold Rush Black-Eyed Susan

Light Needs

Full Sun

(6+ Hours Direct Sun)

Mature Height

1 Foot

Mature Spread

1-2 Feet

Growing Zones

3 to 8

Rudbeckia 'American Gold Rush', commonly known as American Gold Rush Black-eyed Susan, is your ticket to long-lasting, late-season blooming. Its cheerful golden, daisy-like petals surround a black cone. The slender, hairy foliage is resistant to septoria leaf spot, a fungus that commonly affects rudbeckia varieties. This is a more compact form than ‘Goldsturm’ and will not flop despite its heavy flower production. American Gold Rush won the All-American Selection award in 2020 for its superior flower production and compact form.

The American Gold Rush is an upright, mounding perennial that forms large clumps over time. It is quite cold hardy, down to zone 3, and the foliage looks flawless, even in humid conditions. It attracts beneficial pollinators, including butterflies and bees. It is also deer resistant. This herbaceous perennial fits in nicely in cut-flower gardens, perennial beds, or container gardens. 

American Gold Rush Black-Eyed Susan Care

This perennial thrives in full sun even in hot and humid climates. It grows well in average soil, including clay and sandy types. It is not particular about the soil pH or fertility. Provide regular water over the first growing season and occasional water thereafter during hot, dry periods. You can conserve moisture by applying mulch at the base of the plant. Fertilizer is not needed.

American Gold Rush Black-Eyed Susan gently self-seeds, providing an easy source of new plants. To prevent volunteers, snip off spent blooms, which also encourages reblooming. It can be divided every 3 - 4 years in the spring or fall. Plant will go dormant in the winter, and the spent foliage can be cut to the ground before spring.

American Gold Rush Black-Eyed Susan Spacing

Space these rudbeckias at least 18 inches apart, center on center, for mass planting. This perennial also grows easily in containers, provided the pots are large enough for the plant’s extensive root system. We recommend planting in containers at least 16 inches in diameter, and sizing up every spring.   

Simple Plant Spacing Calculator

Planting Shape

Rectangle Circle Known Area

Length (ft)

Width (ft)

Diameter (ft)

Or enter radius below

Radius (ft)

Known Area (sq ft)

Plant Spacing On-Center (in)

Pattern

Square (grid) Triangular (staggered)

Fill edge gaps (max plants)

Enter area to see results.

Visual Preview

Print / Save PDF

Powered by