Little Goldstar Black-Eyed Susan

Little Goldstar Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii 'Little Goldstar')

Little Goldstar Black-Eyed Susan is an easy way to get the classic golden daisy look in a compact plant that stays neat all season. It blooms heavily from mid-summer into fall, keeping beds bright when many perennials start to slow down. The tight, well-branched habit makes it simple to repeat along borders for a clean, consistent look. Expect steady pollinator traffic and reliable color without constant maintenance.

Distinctive Features

This variety was selected for a dwarf, tidy clump and a notably floriferous display of golden-yellow flowers with a dark brown cone. Blooms rise just above rich green foliage on branching stems, typically starting in mid-summer and continuing well into early fall. The compact size makes it especially useful where standard black-eyed Susans can feel too tall or loose. Mature plants are usually about 14 to 16 inches tall and 14 to 16 inches wide.

Growing Conditions

• Sun: Full sun is best, but it also performs well in partial sun.
• Soil: Average, well-drained soil is ideal, and it adapts to many garden soils with reasonable drainage.
• Water: Water regularly during establishment, then provide average moisture, with good drought tolerance once rooted.
• USDA Zones: Hardy in zones 4 to 9.
• Mature Size: About 14 to 16 inches tall and 14 to 16 inches wide.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Use a tight cluster as a mid to late-summer focal point where compact golden blooms can brighten a key view.
• Front of Borders: Plant along the front of sunny borders for long-season color without blocking other plants.
• Mass Planting: Create small drifts for a clean, uniform band of golden flowers from summer into fall.
• Pollinator Gardens: Add to wildlife-friendly beds to support bees and butterflies through peak season.
• Containers: Tuck into large containers where the compact habit stays tidy and blooms carry the display.

Low Maintenance Care

• Deadheading: Remove spent blooms to extend flowering and keep the plant looking fresh.
• Watering: Deep water during extended dry spells, especially in the first season.
• Fertilizing: Feed lightly in spring or topdress with compost, since overly rich soil can reduce bloom and loosen habit.
• Cutback: Cut back stems in late fall or early spring to refresh the clump and encourage clean new growth.
• Dividing: Divide every few years if the clump becomes crowded or if you want to expand your planting.

Why Choose Little Goldstar Black-Eyed Susan?

• Compact Size: Delivers the classic black-eyed Susan look in a smaller, easier-to-place footprint.
• Heavy Flowering: Produces abundant blooms for weeks, keeping beds colorful deep into the season.
• Tidy Habit: Well-branched growth stays dense and neat with minimal shaping.
• Great for Repetition: Uniform clumps make it easy to design clean borders and repeated patterns.
• Pollinator Value: Flowers support active summer gardens with steady bee and butterfly visits.

Little Goldstar is a dependable choice when you want long-season color and a compact, polished look. Give it sun, decent drainage, and simple deadheading, and it will keep producing golden blooms well into fall. Planted in groups, it creates a bright, cohesive finish that makes the whole bed feel more intentional.