Coneflower "Goldsturm"

Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii "Goldsturm".
Very impressive in massed planting, these golden daisies also make fine-cut flowers.
Special Features: A durable, low maintenance, pest-free plant. Among the most popular of all perennials.
History: The Bot. Garden of the University Graz received seeds from USA and also handed them to Gebr. Schütz. During a private visit Heinrich Hagemann (at this time the headgardener at Karl Foersters nursery) noticed the plant and brought them to Karl Foersters nursery in Potsdam, Germany in 1937. Seeing the flowers in 1938 for the first time, Foerster annointed this North American species Goldsturm (Gold Sturm). Contrary to popular belief, Foerster never made a single selection. Goldsturm is a seed strain.
Colour: Bright yellow-rayed flowers with a brown-eye. Natural Flowering Period: July - October.
Winter Hardiness: Z4.
Growth Habit: Upright / Rounded. Foliage: Basal rosettes of ovate, dark green leaves. Height with Flower: 70 cm. Spacing between Plants: 45 cm.
Soil Requirement: Any soils not to dry.
Location: Full sun to partial shade.
Use: Combines with Stokesia, Eupatorium purpureum, Silphium, Rumex sanguineus and Pennisetum alopecuroides.
Specialities: Outstanding in mass plantings.
Seed Requirement: 3 g / 1000 plants.
Best Sowing Date: November - March.
Way of Germination: Cold Germinator.
Germination: These seeds germinate rapidly depending on species and origin. If germination does not occur after 3 - 4 weeks, a cooling period of 2 - 4 weeks is recommended.
Germination to Transplant: 4 - 6 weeks. Transplanting to salable Plant: 4 - 6 weeks.
Fertilization: Medium.

Marina Zaharova.