This cheery native perennial will be a star in your garden.
It begins displaying its yellow blossoms beginning in late summer and continuing into fall.
Different species of goldenrod come from environments with widely differing soil conditions.
Credit: Denny Schrock
These native habitats range from sunny meadows to salty seaside habitats and soggy bogs.
Do some research to determine which pop in of goldenrod is most suitable for your local growing conditions.
Some but not all goldenrod varieties spread aggressively.
Credit: Denny Schrock
Take this into account when selecting a planting location and variety.
For smaller spaces or a neat and tidy look, choose a clump-forming variety.
Another option to keep goldenrod contained is to plant it near a physical barrier, such as a wall.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
How and When to Plant Goldenrod
Plant nursery-grown potted goldenrod in the spring or fall.
dig a hole about twice the diameter of the pot and about the same depth.
Place the plant in the hole and fill in original soil to the top of the root ball.
Credit: Denny Schrock
Gently tamp down the soil and water it well.
Keep the soil evenly moist for a few weeks until the plant is established.
Space plants 1 to 3 feet apart, depending on the height of the variety.
Credit: Jay Wilde
Partial shade is only recommended in hot climates at the very upper end of the plant’s zone range.
Soil and Water
The only real soil requirement of goldenrod is that the soil is well-drained.
Once established, goldenrod is drought-tolerant.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Picking a goldenrod that is native to your part of the country ensures it is adapted to your conditions.
Fertilizer
Goldenrod doesn’t need fertilizer to thrive, on the contrarythe extra nitrogenleads to floppy growth.
Use a container at least 12 inches in diameter with large drainage holes.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Fill the pot with well-draining potting mix.
Goldenrod in containers also requires winterization, as the rootsdespite the plants cold-hardinessare not sufficiently insulated.
Pests and Problems
Goldenrod rarely suffers from serious problems with insects or diseases.
Watchfor powderymildew, especially when it’s grown in shade.
Other potential diseases include rust and leaf spot.
Deer rarely feed on goldenrod.
Keep it watered until you see new growth.
Mist it at least daily to keep it evenly moist.
At 70 degrees F, the seeds will germinate in 14 to 21 days.
It also blooms a little later than other goldenrods.
The plume-like flower clump sits atop an attractive red stem.
The flowers sustain Monarch butterflies before their fall migration.
‘Goldenmosa’ Goldenrod
This variety ofSolidagobears plenty of foot-long sprays of golden yellow flowers atop leafy stems.
This hybrid grows 30 inches tall and is hardy in Zones 4-9.
It has large, fluffy heads of light lemon yellow.
Not all asters are fall bloomers.
Extend the season by growing some of the summer bloomers, as well.
It shows off well against most flowers and provides an elegant look to flower borders.
The aromatic leaves are oblong, deeply cut along the edges.
Foot-long panicles of flowers bloom for many weeks.
Excellent drainage and full sun are ideal, although very light shade is tolerated.
Plant close to avoid staking since the tall plants tend to flop.
Many of the best cultivars are hybrids.
All are excellent for cutting.
Deadhead to extend bloom time, and divide the clumps every couple of years to ensure vigor.
Ragweed produces copious amounts of airborne pollen, while goldenrods heavy, sticky pollen relies upon insectsnot windfor pollination.
