Early Bird Gold Black-eyed Susan

Black-eyed Susan
Rudbeckia fulgida 'Early Bird Gold'
(rud-BEK-ee-a) (FUL-jih-duh)

This flower was blooming at the nursery and it looked good. I started to grab some and then remember the person whose house I am working on right now doesn’t like Black-eyed Susans. That is okay because after reading up on this plant I will be planting some of them soon.

This Rudbeckia is a new genetic development that was discovered at Dupont Nurseries in Louisiana. It consistently bloomed up to two months earlier than 'Goldsturm' and often blooms two months after it. Since it is not day-length dependent it can bloom in the spring in some places. It grows to about 24 inches tall. The flower was the ‘standard’ color and the petals seemed just a little thinner than most cultivars of fulgida.


Rudbeckias are easy to grow in well drained soil. If you give them some organic matter and water they will grow better but it is not necessary. They can grow in dry and lean soils also. Black-eyed Susan are also easy to divide and often have seedlings if you are looking to increase your supply. A good plant for the border or naturalized areas of the garden.