When I think of black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia spp. and cvs., Zones 3–9), my mind conjures up images of the gold rush of the late 1800s, with covered wagons racing across the United States. When the prospectors reached the Great Plains, they must have been entranced upon seeing fields and meadows filled with these golden flowers.

Today we have struck gold again in a plant called ‘American Gold Rush’ black-eyed Susan. Like all black-eyed Susans, ‘American Gold Rush’ bursts into bloom in midsummer and finishes in fall, hitting its stride when many other plants are starting to pack it in. And ‘American Gold Rush’ has a few important qualities that set it apart from its cousins. At only 22 inches high, it is compact. Unlike most black-eyed Susans, whose blooms look like loose bouquets with space between the flowers, this one maintains a beautiful, upright, domelike habit. I like that the leaves are only 2 inches wide with a blue-green cast, because the smaller foliage doesn’t overwhelm the outstanding flowers, ensuring that the plant looks showier both in and out
of bloom.

One of the problems with most black-eyed Susans is that by midsummer you may notice Septoria leaf spot on the foliage. It arrives in warm, wet, humid weather. Most gardeners just remove the foliage, but the plant may start to look bare. ‘American Gold Rush’ shows very little sign of this fungus and can be considered fairly resistant to it.

This native perennial is easy to grow. It tolerates hot, humid summers and, once established, can also tolerate drought. In rich and fertile soils it can flop and need staking, which is something I hate to do in very hot weather. The only other thing I suggest doing is to deadhead spent flowers for additional bloom. This neatens the plant as well. If after around three years the clump gets too big, simply divide it to maintain shape and robust growth.

‘American Gold Rush’ black-eyed Susan

(Rudbeckia × ‘American Gold Rush’)

Zones: 4–9

Conditions: Full sun to partial shade; average, well-drained soil

Native Range: Hybrid of North American species

Stephanie Cohen has spent most of her life trialing, speaking about, and teaching all things plants. The author of several books, she lectures extensively around North America.

Fine Gardening Recommended Products

The Nature of Oaks: The Rich Ecology of Our Most Essential Native Trees

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

The Nature of Oaks reveals what is going on in oak trees month by month, highlighting the seasonal cycles of life, death, and renewal. From woodpeckers who collect and store hundreds of acorns for sustenance to the beauty of jewel caterpillars, Doug Tallamy illuminates and celebrates the wonders that occur right in our own backyards. He also shares practical advice about how to plant and care for an oak, along with information about the best oak species for your area.

Buy at Amazon

XLUX Soil Moisture Meter

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

- Large and clear dial, including ten scales, plug and read
- Simply insert the moisture meter into soil and you'll get the test result instantly
- Single probe, less hurts to the roots, doesn't dig up too much soil after test

Buy at Amazon

Planting in a Post-Wild World: Designing Plant Communities for Resilient Landscapes

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Featuring gorgeous photography and advice for landscapers, Planting in a Post-Wild World by Thomas Rainer and Claudia West is dedicated to the idea of a new nature—a hybrid of both the wild and the cultivated—that can nourish in our cities and suburbs.

Buy at Amazon