How Tall Does Rudbeckia Goldsturm Grow?

Black Eyed Susan Goldsturm is another name for Rudbeckia Goldsturm. It is a popular perennial plant that is known for its beautiful golden flowers. It’s a great plant for many gardens because it’s hardy and doesn’t need much care. How tall does this Rudbeckia really get? Let’s take a closer look.

An Overview of Rudbeckia Goldsturm

Rudbeckia Goldsturm is a variety of Rudbeckia fulgida, which is commonly known as Orange Coneflower or Black Eyed Susan. It’s a North American native perennial that grows well in zones 4-9.

Some key features of Rudbeckia Goldsturm include

• Bright golden yellow flowers that bloom from mid-summer to early fall
• Dark green leaves that form a neat mound
• Attracts butterflies and pollinators
• Tolerates heat, humidity, and drought once established
• 1999 Perennial Plant of the Year

This tough and adaptable plant thrives with minimal care. It’s perfect for cottage gardens, borders, containers, and mass plantings.

Mature Height of Rudbeckia Goldsturm

So just how tall does this popular perennial grow?

According to most sources, Rudbeckia Goldsturm reaches a mature height of 18-24 inches (45-60 cm). It grows upright at first, then arches gracefully as the flowers open.

The plant typically spreads 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) wide as well, creating a nice dome shape. It maintains a compact, upright habit without flopping over or looking unkempt.

While most Rudbeckia Goldsturm plants grow 18-24 inches tall at maturity, their final height can vary slightly based on growing conditions. Here are some factors that affect their height:

• Soil quality – Rich, fertile soil encourages taller growth. Poor soil leads to shorter plants.

• Sunlight – Rudbeckia Goldsturm thrives in full sun (minimum 6 hours daily). Less sun results in shorter plants.

• Water—Regular watering helps plants grow bigger, especially in the first year. Drought stress can inhibit height.

• Pruning – Cutting back spent flower stems by 1/3 in summer or fall promotes bushier regrowth.

• Temperature—Plants can grow taller in warm places than in cool places. Peak height occurs in zones 5-7.

• Maturity – Established plants grow bigger each year. Maximum height is reached by the 3rd or 4th year.

Rudbeckia Goldsturm can grow up to 30 inches (75 cm) tall if it is given the right conditions. But the typical range is 18-24 inches when fully mature.

Tips for Growing Taller Rudbeckia Goldsturm

If you want to maximize the height of your Rudbeckia Goldsturm, here are some helpful tips:

• Plant in fertile, well-draining soil enriched with compost or manure. Avoid soggy soil.

• Give plants a high-phosphorus fertilizer in early spring to promote vigorous growth.

• Water regularly, especially during the first year, to support establishment.

• Situate plants in full sun locations with at least 6-8 hours of direct light daily.

• Leave plenty of space between plants for good air circulation and less competition.

• Cut back spent flower stems by 1/3 after the first bloom cycle finishes. This tidy-up promotes regrowth.

• Protect plants from wind, which can break stems and inhibit vertical growth.

• Mulch around plants to cool roots and reduce drought stress. Replenish mulch each spring.

• Divide congested clumps every 3-4 years to rejuvenate growth. Replant the healthiest divisions.

With a little TLC, you can maximize both the height and the prolific golden blooms of Rudbeckia Goldsturm in your landscape!

Typical Heights of Other Rudbeckia Varieties

While Goldsturm remains one of the most popular, there are many Rudbeckia varieties to choose from. Here are some typical heights you can expect:

• R. fulgida var. deamii – 24-36 inches (60-90 cm)
• R. fulgida var. sullivantii ‘Little Goldstar’ – 10-12 inches (25-30 cm)
• R. hirta ‘Irish Eyes’ – 24-36 inches (60-90 cm)
• R. laciniata ‘Goldquelle’ – 36-48 inches (90-120 cm)
• R. triloba ‘Prairie Glow’ – 15-24 inches (38-60 cm)

So depending on the variety, mature heights range from 1-4 feet tall. Check tags or plant descriptions to learn the expected size of any Rudbeckia you are considering.

The Goldsturm variety hits the sweet spot at 18-24 inches – not too short, not too tall! It brings beautiful golden color to the mid-range of the garden.

Achieve the Perfect Height in Your Garden

When planning your beds and borders, keep mature plant heights in mind. Use taller Rudbeckia varieties like R. laciniata as backdrop plants. Position mid-size varieties like Goldsturm in the middle. Then fill the front with shorter varieties and spillers.

With some planning, you can create beautiful layered garden displays that transition smoothly from tall to short. Rudbeckia is one of the most garden-worthy perennials for adding bold splashes of color at a range of heights.

So now you know exactly how tall to expect your Rudbeckia Goldsturm to grow. For a low-maintenance explosion of golden blooms in the middle of the border, you can’t go wrong with this classic perennial!