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Herbaceous Perennial

Rudbeckia fulgida 'Early Bird Gold'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

black-eyed Susan 'Early Bird Gold'

A bushy, herbaceous perennial to 60cm tall, with dark green leaves and rough, hairy stems. It produces daisy-like flowerheads composed of bright yellow ray florets around a central, black cone; the flowers are produced earlier than other perennial varieties (from midsummer) and over a long season

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Yellow Green
Autumn Yellow Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Asteraceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Rudbeckia may be annuals, biennials or rhizomatous herbaceous perennials, with simple or pinnately divided leaves and large daisy-like flower-heads with yellow or orange rays surrounding a prominent conical disk

Name status

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in humus rich, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Able to tolerate drought once established. See rudbeckia cultivation for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by seed or division

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Prairie planting
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Deadhead regularly. Can be cut back in autumn, though stems and seedheads persist well and can provide structure in winter

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids and slugs

Diseases

May be susceptible to Powdery mildews

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