Goldenrod Care: Information And Tips For How To Grow Goldenrod Plants

One of the most welcome sights in the late-summer landscape are fields of goldenrod plants, with their tall flower plumes blazing brightly like golden-yellow flames. However, this gorgeous native wildflower has yet to gain the widespread acceptance it deserves in American gardens. Perhaps because of the mistaken notion that it causes hay fever—or because it is sometimes considered to be a weed with little ornamental value.

GARDEN-WORTHY GOLDENROD PLANTS

One of the most welcome sights in the late-summer landscape are fields of goldenrod plants, with their tall flower plumes blazing brightly like golden-yellow flames. However, this gorgeous native wildflower has yet to gain the widespread acceptance it deserves in American gardens. Perhaps because of the mistaken notion that it causes hay fever—or because it is sometimes considered to be a weed with little ornamental value.

If you’ve been avoiding goldenrod for these unwarranted reasons, it’s time to take another look at these late-season beauties. Newer cultivars with showier flowers and more refined growth habits should dispel 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 vibrant fall color but also because they are an important late-season food source for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

THE BASICS

Botanical name:

Plant Type:

Hardiness zone:

Varies, depending on the species. Most are durable enough to tolerate cold winters and hot summers.

Bloom time:

Goldenrods have a long bloom period, typically flourishing from late summer to mid-fall. Some cultivars, such as Solidago rugosa ‘Fireworks’, will continue to flower until the first frost.

Height:

From under a foot to more than 6 feet.

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-like flowers (ray flowers), goldenrods produce clusters of tiny yellow or gold florets, some in the form of broad and nearly flat-topped corymbs and others cascading in feathery panicles from arching stems. Some varieties, such as Solidago sphacelata ‘Golden Fleece’, also have attractive semi-evergreen foliage that extends the season of interest.

Other attributes:

• Deer resistant.
• Tolerates drought and poor soils.
• Few disease or insect problems.
• Great for cutting.

Ragweed vs goldenrod: Does goldenrod cause hay fever?:

Contrary to common belief, goldenrod pollen does not contribute to hay fever or allergy symptoms because it is too sticky to go airborne. The more likely offender is ragweed (Ambrosia), which blooms around the same time and looks similar.

GROWING GUIDE

What to plant:

There are more than 100 species, and most are native to North America. While the majority reside in sunny meadows and prairies, others prefer semi-shaded woodland locations, boggy environments, and even salty coastal areas. Because the different species are found growing in a wide range of environments with different soil conditions, consider a goldenrod’s native habitat before choosing a variety for your garden.

Where to plant:

Goldenrods grow from either clump-forming crowns or by rhizomes. Clump-forming types are better suited for manicured garden beds and borders because they won’t spread aggressively. Plant the more rambunctious rhizomatous types where you can contain their spread or in a naturalistic garden setting where they will be less intrusive.

Light requirements:

Most crave full sun, with the exception of woodland species which grow well in partial shade.

Soil requirements:

They will thrive in just about any average garden soil with decent drainage. Some species also adapt well to heavy clay, sandy, or rocky soils. Avoid planting in overly rich soil which can lead to leggy growth.

How to plant:

Like many wildflowers, goldenrod is extremely easy to grow from seed, which can be sown directly outdoors in fall or spring or started indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your last frost date. If you plant the seeds in late fall or early winter, they will begin to germinate when the temperatures warm the following spring. No matter when you plant your seeds, be sure to sow them on the soil surface because they need sunlight to germinate.

Spacing:

Whether you’re growing seedlings or nursery-grown plants, provide adequate space between them (anywhere from 1 to 3 feet, depending on the size at maturity) to permit good air circulation and to keep spreading types from encroaching upon neighboring plants.

CARE AND MAINTENANCE

Like most wildflowers, goldenrods are wonderfully carefree, drought tolerant, and disease resistant. But when growing them in a perennial garden, there are some simple steps you can take to keep them looking their best and to control their spread.

• Don’t bother fertilizing; they will do just fine without it. Feeding will only lead to floppy growth and fewer flowers.
• If rhizomatous varieties threaten to take over your garden, divide plants every 2 or 3 years to keep them in check. Clump-forming species typically grow at a much slower pace and can be divided less frequently.
• If you want to prevent them from reseeding, deadhead your plants after flowering. Otherwise, leave the seed heads in place to feed wildlife over the winter.
• To propagate, divide plants in the spring before new growth begins or start new plants from stem cuttings taken in early summer.
• Sometimes staking is necessary for taller varieties. An alternative is to prune them back in early summer so they will grow shorter and bushier. You’ll also get better flower production by creating more lateral branches.
• Goldenrod is rarely troubled by insects or diseases, but the foliage is susceptible to powdery mildew and rust, both of which can be minimized by growing plants in full sun and providing ample space between them to improve air circulation.

Goldenrod Care: Information And Tips For How To Grow Goldenrod Plants

Goldenrods (Solidago) spring up en masse in the natural summer landscape. Topped with plumes of fluffy yellow flowers, goldenrod is sometimes considered a weed. Unknowing gardeners may find it a nuisance and wonder, “What is the plant goldenrod good for?” Goldenrod plants have multiple uses, from providing shelter to larvae of beneficial insects to attracting butterflies. Learn how to grow goldenrod and experience the many benefits.

What is the Plant Goldenrod Good For?

After learning the many benefits of planting goldenrod and the simplicity of goldenrod care, you may wish to include it near your garden. Goldenrod plants provide nectar for migrating butterflies and bees, encouraging them to remain in the area and pollinate your crops. Planting goldenrod near the vegetable garden can draw bad bugs away from valuable vegetables. Goldenrods attract beneficial insects as well, which may do away with damaging insects when they approach the food source offered by these plants.

More than a hundred varieties of goldenrod exist, with one for every climate. Many are native to the United States. Goldenrod plants are clump-forming perennial wildflowers that exist on rainwater and add a golden beauty to the landscape. Often thought of as the cause of summer allergies, the species is falsely accused, as the pollen from allergy-creating ragweed is present at the time of goldenrod blooms. All goldenrods are late bloomers, flowering in late summer throughout fall with stunning, bright yellow flowers.

How to Grow Goldenrod Plants

Growing and planting goldenrod is easy, as this plant will survive just about anywhere, though it does prefer to be grown in full sun. Goldenrod also tolerates various soil types as long as it’s well draining.

Goldenrod care is minimal once established in the landscape, with plants returning each year. They require little, if any watering, and are drought tolerant. Clumps need division every four to five years. Cuttings may also be taken in spring and planted in the garden.

Learning how to grow goldenrod offers many advantages. Bad bugs can be drawn to the plant and consumed by beneficial insects that hatch their young there. Planting goldenrod adds beauty and attracts butterflies to your landscape.