Goldsturm Coneflower - A Guide to Growing

The History of Goldsturm Coneflower

Goldsturm Coneflower, or Rudbeckia fulgida 'Goldsturm', is a native plant of North America. This flower was first discovered by a German botanist, Carl Ludwig Willdenow, in the late 18th century. The name Rudbeckia comes from the famous Swedish botanist Olof Rudbeck, who lived in the 17th century.

Goldsturm Coneflower is a popular flower among gardeners due to its beauty and hardiness. This flower has won numerous awards, including the Perennial Plant of the Year Award in 1999.

The Characteristics of Goldsturm Coneflower

Goldsturm Coneflower is a perennial flower that blooms from mid-summer to early fall. This flower grows up to 24-36 inches in height and 18-24 inches in width. It has a bright yellow color and a black center cone that gives it a unique look. The flowers are daisy-like and have a diameter of 3-4 inches.

This flower prefers full sun to partial shade and likes well-draining soil. It is drought-tolerant and can survive in a range of temperatures.

How to Grow Goldsturm Coneflower

Growing Goldsturm Coneflower is easy, and it requires minimal care. Here are some tips on how to grow this flower:

1. Choosing the Right Location

Goldsturm Coneflower prefers full sun to partial shade. It needs at least 6 hours of sunlight per day to thrive. Choose a location in your garden that receives ample sunlight.

2. Preparing the Soil

Goldsturm Coneflower likes well-draining soil. Before planting, amend the soil with compost or peat moss to improve drainage. The ideal pH range for this flower is 6.0-7.5.

3. Planting Goldsturm Coneflower

Plant Goldsturm Coneflower in the spring or fall. Dig a hole that is twice the size of the root ball and place the plant in the hole. Cover the roots with soil and water thoroughly.

4. Watering and Fertilizing

Goldsturm Coneflower is drought-tolerant and doesn't require frequent watering. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season. Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer in the spring and mid-summer.

5. Pruning and Deadheading

Deadhead the flowers regularly to encourage new blooms. Cut back the plant to half its height in the fall to promote healthy growth.

The Benefits of Goldsturm Coneflower

Goldsturm Coneflower has numerous benefits, including:

1. Attracts Pollinators

Goldsturm Coneflower attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators to your garden. This flower provides nectar and pollen for these insects, making it an essential part of any pollinator garden.

2. Low Maintenance

Goldsturm Coneflower is easy to grow and requires minimal care. Once established, it can survive drought, heat, and cold temperatures.

3. Long-Lasting Blooms

Goldsturm Coneflower blooms from mid-summer to early fall, providing long-lasting color to your garden.

The Challenges of Growing Goldsturm Coneflower

While Goldsturm Coneflower is easy to grow, it does face some challenges. Here are some common problems that gardeners face while growing this flower:

1. Powdery Mildew

Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects Goldsturm Coneflower. It appears as a white powder on the leaves and stems. To prevent powdery mildew, water the plant at the base and avoid getting the leaves wet.

2. Aster Yellows

Aster yellows is a bacterial disease that affects Goldsturm Coneflower. It causes the flowers to turn yellow and stunted growth. There is no cure for this disease, and infected plants should be removed from the garden.

3. Japanese Beetles

Japanese beetles are a common pest that feeds on Goldsturm Coneflower. They can cause significant damage to the plant, and controlling them can be challenging. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control these pests.

Companion Plants for Goldsturm Coneflower

Goldsturm Coneflower pairs well with many other plants. Here are some companion plants that look great with Goldsturm Coneflower:

1. Black-Eyed Susan

Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) is a close relative of Goldsturm Coneflower. These two plants look great together and provide a burst of color to your garden.

2. Butterfly Weed

Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa) is a native plant that attracts butterflies to your garden. It has bright orange flowers that look great with the yellow of Goldsturm Coneflower.

3. Russian Sage

Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) is a tall, wispy plant that looks great with the compact form of Goldsturm Coneflower.

FAQs about Goldsturm Coneflower

1. When should I plant Goldsturm Coneflower?

You can plant Goldsturm Coneflower in the spring or fall. Make sure to choose a location that receives ample sunlight.

2. How often should I water Goldsturm Coneflower?

Goldsturm Coneflower is drought-tolerant and doesn't require frequent watering. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season.

3. How do I deadhead Goldsturm Coneflower?

To deadhead Goldsturm Coneflower, remove the spent blooms before they go to seed. This will encourage new growth and more blooms.

4. How do I prevent powdery mildew on Goldsturm Coneflower?

To prevent powdery mildew, water the plant at the base and avoid getting the leaves wet. You can also apply a fungicide to the plant as a preventive measure.

5. What are some companion plants for Goldsturm Coneflower?

Goldsturm Coneflower pairs well with Black-eyed Susan, Butterfly Weed, and Russian Sage.