The Perennial Plant Association has named Rudbeckia 'American Gold Rush' as it's 2023 plant of the year. According to the PPA, it's a reliable substitute for the popular 'Goldsturm', which is susceptible to leaf spotting.
'American Gold Rush' has bright gold flowers with arching rays and a reddish halo around the dark chocolate-colored cones. It's rather compact, just 22-27 inches tall and spreading to 40 inches wide if given enough planting room. The green leaves take on a silvery cast on sunny days due to the hairs that cover the foliage. It's also resistant to Septoria leaf spot, which causes decline on some black-eyed Susans.
This cultivar is terrific for massing, a great choice for perennial borders or meadows. It also attracts butterflies and when the flowers are gone, seed heads provide plentiful food for birds.
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