Rudbeckia x 'American Gold Rush'
Best vibrant bloomer for low maintenance garden enthusiasts.
Rudbeckia x 'American Gold Rush', commonly known as Black-eyed Susan, is a striking perennial that brings vibrant color to the garden from summer into fall. It features classic golden yellow flowers with dark centers, blooming on compact, mounded foliage that reaches 22-26 inches in height. This cultivar is noted for its smaller, hairier leaves, which contribute to its resistance against Septoria leaf spot, even in humid conditions. It thrives in full sun to part sun and prefers well-drained soil. Its drought tolerance and low maintenance needs make it an excellent choice for mass plantings or as a focal point in mixed borders. This award-winning variety is also deer resistant and attracts pollinators, making it a valuable addition to any garden.
$24.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
986
/ 4677
#986 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-10%
Below average
Height
2226
/ - inches
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking robust, low-maintenance flowering plants for vibrant displays.
- Homeowners desiring long-lasting, impactful color that attracts beneficial pollinators.
- Busy individuals or new gardeners wanting reliable, resilient plants requiring minimal fuss.
Who should skip it
- Gardeners with predominantly shady yards or limited sunny planting spots.
- Those preferring truly hands-off gardening without any additional maintenance tasks.
- Designers or gardeners prioritizing year-round visual appeal in their landscape.
Performance breakdown
Disease Resistance
Superior foliage health keeps leaf spot at bay in humid climates.
Pollinator Appeal
High-impact blooms act as a magnet for bees and butterflies.
Maintenance Ease
Drought tolerance and compact growth minimize the need for constant care.
Bloom Longevity
Consistent color production carries the garden from mid-summer through autumn.
Deer Resistance
Reliably ignored by local wildlife, protecting your landscape investment.
Landscape Versatility
Perfectly sized for both mass drifts and tight mixed borders.
Key Specs
Height
22-26 inches
Bloom Time
July to September
Sun Exposure
Full Sun to Part Sun
Soil Type
Loamy, Sandy, Clay
Soil Drainage
Well-drained
Deer Resistant
Yes
Drought Tolerant
Yes
Growth Rate
Medium
Features
- Abundant golden yellow flowers with black eyes
- Compact mounded foliage
- Resistant to Septoria leaf spot
- Drought tolerant and low maintenance
- Deer resistant
- Attracts pollinators
- Suitable for mass planting or specimen use
What customers say
Customers consistently praise this plant for its exceptional quality and remarkable reliability. Gardeners frequently highlight its vigorous growth, abundant golden blooms, and impressive disease resistance, making it a low maintenance yet high impact addition to any landscape. Its ability to thrive and provide continuous color throughout the season offers significant satisfaction, reinforcing its reputation as a dependable and beautiful garden staple.
Know before you buy
This cultivar is specifically bred for its compact, mounded habit and superior resistance to Septoria leaf spot. Its smaller, hairier leaves help it stay healthy and vibrant even in humid conditions where other varieties might struggle with foliage disease.
Yes, 'American Gold Rush' is notably drought-tolerant once established. While it performs best with consistent moisture, it can handle periods of dry weather without significant stress.
While no plant is completely deer-proof, this Rudbeckia is considered deer-resistant. Deer generally avoid it due to the texture of its foliage, making it a safer choice for gardens in areas with high deer traffic.
Since this variety grows to a width of about 22-26 inches, you should space them roughly 24 inches apart on center. This allows the mounded foliage to fill in nicely without overcrowding.
It is a low-maintenance perennial. Simply deadhead spent blooms if you want to encourage a tidier appearance, and cut the foliage back to the ground in late winter or early spring to prepare for new growth.
Because of its compact, mounded habit, it works well in large containers or pots. Just ensure the container has excellent drainage and receives at least six hours of sun daily.
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$25