Featured 1 Gallon Perennial

Rudbeckia Goldsturm

Its graceful informality of bright golden daisies will bring color to your border beds from July to frost. Goldsturm is a much improved "Black-eyed Susan" that forms low mounds of happy daisy flowers accented with black cone centers. Individually they make great cut flowers with long sturdy stems, lasting a long time in water.

Loving a full sun exposure, the Rudbeckia tolerates dry winds as well. Hardy in all Northwest climates, there are few pests or diseases to worry about. Removing spent flowers promotes re-bloom. Fertilizing promotes growth and supports the flowers.

Maintenance is easy with a quick cut-back in the winter to remove dead leaves. The clumps get larger every year yet don't require division like some perennials demand.

1999 Plant of the Year Winner from the Perennial Plant Association.

While much of the information in this tip is applicable in several gardening zones/climates, some of the plants and timing suggested are best suited to the Northwest, generally in the mild/wet growing regions found along the I-5 corridor. You should make appropriate adjustments or consult local gardening experts in regions whose climates differ from this area of the Northwest.