Rudbeckia fulgida 'Little Goldstar' (Black-Eyed Susan)

Rudbeckia fulgida 'Little Goldstar' is a compact dwarf cultivar of black-eyed Susan bred for longer bloom window and smaller stature than other Rudbeckia. Slightly smaller than even other small varieties like 'American Gold Rush,' Rudbeckia fulgida 'Little Goldstar' grows to only 12-16" tall at maturity in clumps about 1-2' wide. In the summer, 'Little Goldstar' produces long-lasting golden yellow blooms with dark yellow to chocolate brown centers atop a dense sea of bright green foliage. Flower petals of 'Little Goldstar' may be more finely textured than other black-eyed Susans, but flowers are still very popular with pollinators. Even after blooms begin to die back in the autumn, persistent seed cones act as food for a great number of birds. 

Rudbeckia fulgida 'Little Goldstar' is resistant to deer browsing and rabbit damage, as well as drought and poor soils, but grows best in average, medium-moist, well-drained soils; though resistant to drier soils, this variety's small size may mean it is more sensitive to overwatering, so be sure to provide this plant with adequate drainage in the ground or in planters. No stranger to hot and humid summers, the 'Little Goldstar' cultivar's flowers are not prone to flopping unless given too much fertilizer, and make for an excellent addition to cut flower arrangements, or atop happy, hardy plants in small garden beds, pollinator gardens, low borders, or in patio container gardening.