Rudbeckia fulgida 'Goldblitz' is a compact long blooming cultivar prized for its abundant golden yellow daisy like flowers with prominent dark brown centers. A modern improvement on the popular 'Goldsturm', it features a more refined upright habit and begins flowering slightly earlier. Its clean foliage resists mildew and provides a lush green backdrop to the bright blooms which persist from midsummer into fall attracting pollinators throughout the season.
Height & Spread: 18 - 24 in x 18 - 24 in
Bloom Time: Mid to late summer into fall
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Tolerates a wide range of soils but prefers moist, well drained loam
Watering Needs: Moderate; benefits from consistent moisture but tolerates brief dry spells
Deer Resistance: Generally avoided by deer due to rough foliage and bitter taste
Native Status
Rudbeckia fulgida is native to the eastern and central United States. 'Goldblitz' is a selected cultivar derived from this native species retaining its ecological benefits while offering improved form and bloom density.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Bees
- Attracts a wide variety of native bees, including sweat bees, bumblebees, and leafcutter bees drawn to its open composite flowers.
Butterflies
- Visited by Pearl Crescents and other nectar seeking butterflies throughout the bloom season.
Birds
- Finches and sparrows feed on the dried seed heads in fall and winter if left standing.
Beneficial Insects
- Serves as a nectar source for predatory wasps and hoverflies that help manage garden pests.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Space plants 18 - 24 in apart to allow airflow and maintain upright habit while encouraging massing.
Landscape Placement:
- Ideal for perennial borders, meadow gardens, and pollinator plantings where prolonged seasonal color is desired.
Companion Plants
- Agastache foeniculum (Anise Hyssop) - Purple flower spikes provide vertical contrast and fragrance while attracting pollinators.
- Coreopsis verticillata 'Zagreb' - Compact mounds of golden blooms create a unified display of yellow hues.
- Panicum virgatum 'Shenandoah' - Upright red tinged switchgrass provides a graceful contrast and fall interest.
- Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' - Tall violet blue flower spires punctuate planting schemes and echo pollinator appeal.
- Echinacea purpurea 'Magnus' - Broad petaled blooms in deep pink harmonize well with the golden tones of Rudbeckia.