Rudbeckia fulgida 'Early Bird Gold'
black-eyed Susan
Rudbeckia fulgida 'Early Bird Gold' is a reliable perennial that flowers weeks ahead of many other rudbeckias and keeps going well into autumn. Its upright, bushy habit is clothed in dark green foliage, creating a neat backdrop for masses of golden-yellow, daisy-like blooms, each centred with a bold, dark brown cone that draws in bees and butterflies.
Ideal for sunny borders, prairie-style planting and wildlife-friendly gardens, it mixes beautifully with ornamental grasses and late-flowering perennials. The sturdy stems hold the flowers well, making them just as useful for cutting as they are for brightening the garden. Easy to grow and long flowering, this ardy, cultivated variety delivers dependable colour with very little fuss, once established.
Ideal for sunny borders, prairie-style planting and wildlife-friendly gardens, it mixes beautifully with ornamental grasses and late-flowering perennials. The sturdy stems hold the flowers well, making them just as useful for cutting as they are for brightening the garden. Easy to grow and long flowering, this ardy, cultivated variety delivers dependable colour with very little fuss, once established.
How to care for Rudbeckia fulgida Early Bird Gold:
Rudbeckia thrive in full sun and well-drained soils, avoiding waterlogged conditions in winter. Improve heavy or clay-based soils by incorporating generous amounts of compost or other organic matter prior to planting.
Protect young growth from slugs and snails, as they can quickly decimate tender new foliage. Once established, Rudbeckia are generally low-maintenance, but benefit from occasional division, in late autumn or early spring, to rejuvenate congested clumps.
As the flowers emerge, provide support by installing ring stakes or placing brushwood around the base of the plants. This helps to prevent flopping, especially for taller varieties or those in more exposed gardens.
Protect young growth from slugs and snails, as they can quickly decimate tender new foliage. Once established, Rudbeckia are generally low-maintenance, but benefit from occasional division, in late autumn or early spring, to rejuvenate congested clumps.
As the flowers emerge, provide support by installing ring stakes or placing brushwood around the base of the plants. This helps to prevent flopping, especially for taller varieties or those in more exposed gardens.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
0.6m
Eventual spread:
0.45m
Position:
Full sun / light shade
Rate of growth:
Average
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
-
This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
