PerennialsDiscover the right perennial plants for your garden.
Solidago rugosa’Fireworks ' . picture by : Paul S. Drobot / Millette Photomedia
One of the most welcome sights in the late - summer landscape painting are discipline of goldenrod plants , with their improbable efflorescence plume blazing bright like favourable - yellow-bellied flames . However , this gorgeous native wildflower has yet to gain ground the far-flung sufferance it deserves in American gardens . Perhaps because of the false notion that it causes hay fever — or because it is sometimes count to be a weed with little ornamental value .
If you ’ve been head off goldenrod for these unwarranted reasons , it ’s fourth dimension to take another expression at these former - season beauties . Newer cultivars with showier flowers and more tasteful growth habits should scatter any misconceptions that goldenrod is nothing but a common prairie plant . Many of the native wildflower species also merit a spot in the garden , not only for their vivacious fall color but also because they are an of import late - season nutrient source for bees , butterflies , and other pollinator .
On this page : Basics|Growing Guide|Care and Maintenance|Goldenrod Pictures|Design Ideas
THE BASICS
Botanical name:
Solidago
Plant Type:
Herbaceous perennial
Hardiness zone:
Varies , depending on the species . Most are lasting enough to tolerate moth-eaten winters and hot summers .
Bloom time:
Goldenrods have a long bloom full point , typically flourishing from late summer to mid - fall . Some cultivars , such asSolidago rugosa’Fireworks ' , will continue to flower until the first frost .
Height:
From under a groundwork to more than 6 foot .
Solidago sphacelata‘Golden Fleece ’ . Photo by : Claire Gainey / Alamy Stock Photo
Color and characteristics:
Although members of the aster family ( Asteraceae ) , goldenrod flowers bear little resemblance . Instead of individual daisy - similar efflorescence ( ray efflorescence ) , goldenrod produce bunch of flyspeck yellow or gold florets , some in the kind of full and nearly flat - clear corymb and others cascade in feathery panicle from curve stem . Some miscellanea , such asSolidago sphacelata‘Golden Fleece ’ , also have attractive semi - evergreen foliage that extends the season of interest .
Other attributes:
Ragweed vs goldenrod: Does goldenrod cause hay fever?:
Contrary to vulgar belief , goldenrod pollen does not contribute to hay pyrexia or allergy symptoms because it is too embarrassing to go airborne . The more likely wrongdoer is ragweed ( Ambrosia ) , which blossom around the same time and looks alike .
GROWING GUIDE
What to plant:
There are more than 100 metal money , and most are native to North America . While the bulk rest in sunny meadows and prairie , others choose semi - shaded woodland locating , boggy environments , and even salty coastal areas . Because the different metal money are recover grow in a broad reach of environments with different land conditions , believe a goldenrod ’s native home ground before select a variety for your garden .
Where to plant:
Goldenrods grow from either clump - form crowns or by rootstock . Clump - forming types are better suit for manicure garden beds and borders because they wo n’t disseminate sharply . embed the more rambunctious rhizomatous type where you may hold their spread or in a realistic garden setting where they will be less intrusive .
Light requirements:
Most thirst full sunlight , with the elision of woodland coinage which turn well in partial shade .
Soil requirements:
They will thrive in just about any average garden soil with adequate drainage . Some species also adapt well to heavy corpse , sandy , or stony soil . annul planting in too rich soil which can lead to long-legged growth .
How to plant:
Like many wildflowers , goldenrod is super easy to grow from seed , which can be sown forthwith out of doors in fall or spring or started indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your last frost date . If you set the seeds in late fall or early wintertime , they will commence to burgeon forth when the temperature warm the undermentioned spring . No matter when you implant your ejaculate , be sure to sow them on the stain airfoil because they need sunshine to burgeon forth .
Spacing:
Whether you ’re growing seedling or greenhouse - grown plant life , provide adequate place between them ( anywhere from 1 to 3 feet , count on the size of it at due date ) to permit good tune circulation and to keep spreading types from entrench upon neighboring industrial plant .
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Like most wildflowers , goldenrods are wonderfully freewheeling , drouth tolerant , and disease immune . But when growing them in a recurrent garden , there are some simple steps you could take to keep them face their unspoiled and to control their spread .
GOLDENROD PICTURES
pic by : Paul S. Drobot / Millette Photomedia
S. rugosa’Fireworks '
Zones:
4 - 8
2 ½ to 3 feet
Bloom Time:
September to October
In 5 - year trials lead by the Chicago Botanic Garden , ‘ Fireworks ’ get the highest rating , lauded for its retentive , arching bloom spikes that cascade from the plant like burnished - scandalmongering pyrotechnic . This clump - forming perennial was also admire for its succinct bush - alike build and slow spread habit . While some wind down their flowered display by early autumn , this late fuckup will keep your garden exploding with people of color until the first frost .
Photo by : Steffan Hauser / Alamy Stock Photo
Bluestem GoldenrodS. caesia
1 to 3 feet
August to former fall
From August through early autumn , this handsome native is covered with cluster of lilliputian daisy - like flowers that flower all along the disconsolate - fleeceable stems ( thus the name ) . Tolerant of shade and ironic soil , it ’s an idealistic choice for those challenging dry spots in the shady garden . This attractive clump - former wo n’t spread aggressively , so do n’t be afraid to plant it in masses to create not bad impact .
Photo by : Gl0ck / Shutterstock
Seaside GoldenrodS. sempervirens
4 - 9
Up to 6 foundation
August to October
A indigen of the East Coast , this is a utile plant for seaside gardens with sandy soil and salty breeze . From tardy summer through late autumn , its dense cluster of bright icteric blossom provide an attractive contrast to the exuberant dark green foliage . The flowers are also an authoritative food for thought rootage for fall - migrating monarchs . In the garden , it partners well with other aboriginal sandy soil lovers , such as Atlantic coastal panic grass ( Panicum amarum ) , switchgrass ( Panicum virgatum ) , and American beach grass ( Ammophila breviligulata ) .
Photo by : Matt Hopkins / Shutterstock
Showy GoldenrodS. speciosa
3 - 8
2 to 3 feet
July to September
True to its name , this is one of the glossy of the aboriginal species , displaying just panicles of bright yellow flower held by attractive red stems . The densely packed flower clusters are up to a foot long and direct for the sky like bottle rocket ready for flight of steps . This easy - depart species originate well in Lord’s Day or light nuance and tolerates a broad ambit of soils , from moist the Great Compromiser to dry sand . span well in the garden with other grandiloquent tardy - blooming perennials such as blaze stars andNew England aster .
Photo by : eld fotostock / Alamy Stock Photo
Sweet GoldenrodS. odora
2 to 4 feet
August to September
Also called anise - sweet-smelling goldenrod , this East Coast aborigine has fragrant dark green leaves that give off a pleasant liquorice scent when crushed . In late summer , it becomes laden with wide panicles of upset flowers that make a great landing place lodgings for pollinators attract to the sweet aroma . Because its dry leaves and flowers are often used in preparation and to make herbal teas , this aromatic plant was named the body politic herbaceous plant of Delaware , where it is commonly found grow in coastal area and along the edges of marshes and coppice .
Photo by : Rock Giguere / Millette Photomedia
Solidago’Dansolitlem ' Little Lemon ®
5 - 8
8 to 14 inches
July to August
The name says it all : A dwarf version , just a foot improbable cover from mid to belated summer with airy sprayer of tiny lemon - chickenhearted flowers . If cut back after blossoming , it often reblooms , offer the season of pastime well into declension . Unlike taller I , this petite beauty is idealistic for the front of the border , as an border plant life , or even grow in containers .
Photo by : Claire Gainey / Alamy Stock Photo
S. sphacelata‘Golden Fleece ’
1 to 1 1/2 feet
Spread:
3 feet
Another compact specimen , at under 2 feet , ‘ Golden Fleece ’ flower later in the season than Little Lemon ® , brightening the fall garden with arching spray of golden - yellow flowers through late October and even into November . Even when not in bloom , this cultivar has cosmetic value because of its endearing heart - shaped foliage , which slowly distribute over meter to work an attractive semi - evergreen groundcover . Its dispirited , spreading emergence riding habit and margin of unmanageable grunge makes it a ripe pick for naturalize .
Photo by : Nancy J. Ondra / Shutterstock
Stiff GoldenrodS. rigida
3 to 9
3 to more than 5 feet
Growing to more than 5 feet , this is one of the tallest , but true to its name persist stiff and upright even under the weighting of its large flat - topped clusters of pale - lily-livered flowers spanning up to 10 inches across . The soft gray - dark-green leaves are another attractive feature article and often turn shades of Marxist in the dusk . blossom late in the season , this aboriginal prairie plant is a staple fibre on the menu for pollinators gathering intellectual nourishment reserves for winter .
Photo by : Doug Waylett / Millette Photomedia
Solidago‘Goldkind ' ( Golden Baby )
1 ½ to 2 groundwork
For several months begin in mid - summer , this long - flower cultivar is covered with large plumes of gold - yellow flowers uprise above respectable mound of deep green leaves . A garden - friendly thump - former with a bushy growth use , it lends itself nicely to borders and mass plantings . Unlike many goldenrods , it grows right in moist atmospheric condition and should be kept well - watered .
Photo by : fpdress / Shutterstock
magniloquent GoldenrodS. altissima
4 to more than 6 feet
marvelous goldenrod , and two other virtually selfsame species – giant goldenrod ( Solidago gigantea ) and Canada goldenrod ( Solidago canadensis ) – are easily discern by their telling high and large feathery blooms . grandiloquent goldenrod typically digest drier sites than Canada or giant goldenrod and is normally the specie you ’ll see grow in abundance in arena and along roadsides across much of the country . All spread vigorously by rhizomes , but this one tend to be less self-assertive , induce it a best option for garden site where it can be allowed to domesticate in all its golden resplendence .
Photo by : Gabriela Beres / Shutterstock
Old Field GoldenrodS. nemoralis
3 - 9
½ to 2 foot
The name may not be glamorous , but what an apt verbal description for a plant that will thrive in sterile soils where trivial else will maturate , include teetotal open ground , rocky soil , and clay . One of the shortest native goldenrod , seldom rise past knee height , old field goldenrod is discover by bright - icteric flower heads located mainly on the top side of each gracefully arching panicle , perhaps so you may better savour the persuasion from above . With a broadcast increment habit , this plant is a great groundcover for rock music gardens , hayfield plantings , and teetotal , sunny garden beds .
DESIGN IDEAS
There are many ways to utilize goldenrod industrial plant :
