The Exciting ‘American Gold Rush’ Black-Eyed Susan – Perennial Plant of the Year 2023

The Perennial Plant Association has announced its eagerly awaited Perennial Plant of the Year for 2023 – and it’s a real showstopper! ‘American Gold Rush’ black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida var. fulgida ‘American Gold Rush’) brings vibrant, long-lasting color to gardens across North America.

All About ‘American Gold Rush’ Black-Eyed Susan

‘American Gold Rush’ black-eyed Susan is a variety of the popular native wildflower known as orange coneflower. It was bred by renowned plantsman Dr. Darrell Probst and introduced through his nursery, Garden Vision Epimediums.

This perennial lights up gardens with large, 3-4 inch golden yellow flowers featuring a dark brown center cone. The flowers bloom from midsummer through fall, providing a bold splash of color for an exceptionally long season. Sturdy, bushy plants reach 24-30 inches tall and wide.

Like other black-eyed Susan varieties, ‘American Gold Rush’ thrives in full sun and is drought tolerant once established It prefers average, well-drained soil but is adaptable to different conditions An asset for borders, meadow gardens, and mass plantings, it combines beautifully with grasses, coneflowers, and other prairie plants.

Deer tend to leave this variety alone, making it a good choice for gardens plagued by these hungry visitors. ‘American Gold Rush’ attracts pollinators and makes a stunning cut flower. It can be used in containers and performs well across USDA Hardiness Zones 4-9.

Why ‘American Gold Rush’ merits Perennial Plant of the Year Honors

The Perennial Plant Association selects the Perennial Plant of the Year to spotlight a standout variety that is suitable for a wide range of climates, soil types, and growing conditions. ‘American Gold Rush’ black-eyed Susan hits all the marks

• Superior ornamental value – This variety truly shines from midsummer through fall with abundant golden blooms that light up any sunny spot. The colorful flowers contrast beautifully with the dark central cone.

• Low maintenance – Once established, ‘American Gold Rush’ is drought tolerant and has few pest or disease issues, thriving with minimal care. The compact, mounded form stays tidy with little intervention.

• Multi-season interest – Blooming for months on end, this black-eyed Susan provides a wash of cheery color when many other perennials have faded. The dark seed heads left after bloom add winter interest.

• Wide adaptability – Growing well across a broad swath of North America, ‘American Gold Rush’ is unfussy about soil and handles heat, humidity, drought, and poor drainage with aplomb.

• Good habits – A compact, non-aggressive grower, this variety plays nicely with others and won’t spread rampantly or require frequent division.

Tips for Growing ‘American Gold Rush’ Black-Eyed Susan

Here are some pointers to help you get the most out of ‘American Gold Rush’ in your landscape:

• Choose a site with full sun for optimal flowering. At least 6 hours of direct sun is best.

• Prepare the planting area well by amending with compost to improve drainage in clay soil.

• Space plants 18-24 inches apart to allow for growth. They can be divided every 3-4 years in spring or fall.

• Water regularly the first season to establish an extensive root system. Once settled in, water during extended drought.

• Apply a thin layer of mulch around plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Replenish as needed.

• Prune spent flower stems down to basal foliage after first frost. Leave seed heads for winter interest and bird food source.

• Divide when clumps exceed their allotted space. Replant divisions or share with gardening friends.

• Fertilize lightly in early spring if needed. Excess nitrogen can lead to floppy growth.

• Watch for slugs and Japanese beetles, which may nibble on leaves and flowers. Remove by hand or use organic remedies if needed.

Dynamic Companion Plants for ‘American Gold Rush’

A key benefit of the long bloom time of ‘American Gold Rush’ is that it combines effortlessly with a wide array of perennials, grasses, shrubs, and annuals. Here are some top options:

• Coneflowers – Partner with purple coneflowers (Echinacea purpurea) and yellow varieties like ‘Sundown’ and ‘Cheyenne Spirit’ for gorgeous, comfortable color contrasts.

• Ornamental grasses – Let ‘American Gold Rush’ mingle gracefully with airy grasses like panicum, muhly grass, and switch grass. The grasses provide motion while the black-eyed Susan offers long-lasting color.

• Agastache – For more Southwest flair, plant with Agastache varieties like ‘Apache Sunset’ or ‘Blue Fortune’ for a bolder look.

• Sedums – The succulent foliage of sedums like ‘Autumn Joy’ and ‘Autumn Charm’ complement the daisy flowers nicely while also attracting pollinators.

• Asters – Pick late-season blooming asters in shades of purple or magenta for an eye-catching fall display.

• Shrubs and Small Trees – Underplant specimen shrubs like rose of Sharon or dwarf crape myrtles, or situate near small trees like redbuds or serviceberry.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with creative partnerships! The golden glow of ‘American Gold Rush’ black-eyed Susan helps blend and highlight its companions.

Welcoming ‘American Gold Rush’ to Your Own Garden

‘American Gold Rush’ promises to brighten gardens across North America as the much-deserved 2023 Perennial Plant of the Year. Its outstanding ornamental qualities and stellar performance check all the boxes that gardeners look for in a perfect perennial.