Rudbeckia fulgida varieties

NC State Extension describes Rudbeckia fulgida as an erect herbaceous perennial that spreads by underground stems called rhizomes to form large clumps. The widely planted var. sullivantii belongs to this species. The table below compares every variety we list side by side.

Varieties
7
Height
1–3 ft (23–91 cm)
Hardiness
USDA zones 3–9
Form

7 Rudbeckia fulgida

Compare all 7 side by side

All 7 Rudbeckia fulgida varieties

A City Garden black-eyed Susan flower up close on the plant City Garden Compact 12 inch black-eyed Susan with yellow-orange flowers, July to September. Midsummer, Late summer9–12 in (23–30 cm)
A Early Bird Gold black-eyed Susan flower up close on the plant Early Bird Gold Day-neutral black-eyed Susan with bright yellow flowers from mid-June to October, 18 to 24 inches. Early summer, Midsummer, Late summer, Fall1½–2 ft (46–61 cm)
A Goldsturm black-eyed Susan flower up close on the plant Goldsturm Classic black-eyed Susan with deep yellow rays and a dark center, 2 to 3 feet, midsummer to fall. Midsummer, Late summer, Fall2–3 ft (61–91 cm)
A Little Goldstar black-eyed Susan flower up close on the plant Little Goldstar Compact black-eyed Susan with golden yellow blooms and dark cones, about 1 foot tall, July to September. Midsummer, Late summer, Fall12–15 in (30–38 cm)
A Rudbeckia fulgida var. deamii black-eyed Susan flower up close on the plant Rudbeckia fulgida var. deamii Native black-eyed Susan variety with orange-yellow rays and dark cones, 2 to 3 feet, July to October. Midsummer, Late summer, Fall2–3 ft (61–91 cm)
A Rudbeckia fulgida var. fulgida black-eyed Susan flower up close on the plant Rudbeckia fulgida var. fulgida Late-flowering native black-eyed Susan with golden yellow 2 inch flowers, 2 to 3 feet, into October. Midsummer, Late summer, Fall2–3 ft (61–91 cm)
A Viette's Little Suzy black-eyed Susan flower up close on the plant Viette's Little Suzy Compact black-eyed Susan with yellow rays and dark centers, 12 to 15 inches, July to September. Midsummer, Late summer, Fall12–15 in (30–38 cm)

How to choose

  1. Check the Hardiness column. NC State Extension lists zones 3a to 9b for Rudbeckia fulgida.

  2. Compare the Height column. NC State Extension gives a typical height of 2 to 3 feet.

  3. Leave room for the clump to widen. NC State Extension says the plant spreads by rhizomes into large clumps, so spacing matters more than with a short-lived species.

Compare side by side

Color Sunlight
City Garden Rudbeckia fulgida 9–12 in (23–30 cm) 3–8 Midsummer, Late summer Full sun
Early Bird Gold Rudbeckia fulgida 1½–2 ft (46–61 cm) 3–9 Early summer, Midsummer, Late summer, Fall Full sun
Goldsturm Rudbeckia fulgida 2–3 ft (61–91 cm) 3–9 Midsummer, Late summer, Fall Full sun
Little Goldstar Rudbeckia fulgida 12–15 in (30–38 cm) 3–9 Midsummer, Late summer, Fall Full sun
Rudbeckia fulgida var. deamii Rudbeckia fulgida 2–3 ft (61–91 cm) 3–9 Midsummer, Late summer, Fall Full sun
Rudbeckia fulgida var. fulgida Rudbeckia fulgida 2–3 ft (61–91 cm) 5–9 Midsummer, Late summer, Fall Full sun, Part shade
Viette's Little Suzy Rudbeckia fulgida 12–15 in (30–38 cm) 3–9 Midsummer, Late summer, Fall Full sun

Frequently asked questions

When does Rudbeckia fulgida bloom?

NC State Extension gives a bloom period from August to October and describes flowering that starts in summer and continues into fall.

Do deer eat Rudbeckia fulgida?

NC State Extension says it is occasionally damaged by deer but moderately resistant.