TEN GOLDEN REASONS TO GROW GOLDENROD

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By Bonnie McNamee 

1. Goldenrod is an excellent addition to the late summer garden.

2.  Goldenrod allergies are a myth.  It’s ragweed that causes allergies and often they are found growing together in fields and along roadsides.

3.  It is hardy to Zone 4, it doesn’t get mildew or rust, and the slowly expanding clump grows only 3 – 4 feet tall.  It is often best planted at the back of the border.  It can be grown as a specimen plant or massed for a dramatic effect.  It combines particularly well with blue or purple fall asters that bloom at the same time.  Also grows well with ‘Autumn Joy’ Sedum.

4.  The bright yellow flowers come out just when many other border plants are fading.  Until that time, the plant is just a nice looking, bushy, deep green plant.  When the tiny yellow flowers start to open on the 18” long arching flower spikes, it turns into a focal point in the garden. 

5.  It is great as a cut flower and a very pretty addition to a flower arrangement. 

6.  It is attractive to butterflies and many pollinating insects. 

7.  Deer resistant.

8.  A favorite is “Fireworks’ Goldenrod, (Solidago rugosa).  It was introduced in 1993 from the North Carolina Botanical Garden, originally having been selected from a coastal plain population of the species.  It was the top rated cultivar in the five-year goldenrod trials at the Chicago Botanic Garden (completed in 2001) that included twenty-two species and cultivars.

9.  This goldenrod species emerges in late spring from slow spreading rhizomes.  The rigid stems rarely need staking to keep it from falling over.  By mid-summer the plants have grown to their ultimate height, but it isn’t until late summer that the branching stems begin to radiate out and explode into color in September.

10.  ‘Fireworks’ Goldenrod likes full sun or partial shade in average garden soil.  It prefers well-drained soil, but will also adapt well to clay soil.  It does best with regular waterings, but is somewhat drought tolerant once it gets established.  Goldenrods have few if any pest or disease problems, although spider mites and lace bugs can be a problem on some types.  Divide mature clumps in early spring or take stem cuttings in June to propagate.



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