Learn to grow goldenrod (solidago), a native pollinator powerhouse that adds a burst of late-season color to your garden.
Blooming from late summer to first frost, goldenrod belongs to the solidago genus. This hardy, herbaceous perennial grows up to 6 feet tall and is a valuable food source for migrating insects and native pollinators. Goldenrod includes more than 100 species native to North America and provides an explosion of color just when other varieties fizzle out, says Neil Diboll, president of Prairie Nursery in Westfield, Wisconsin, which specializes in native plants. “If you like yellow, you can’t do much better than goldenrod, and they make great companions with blue or purple asters when most other flowers have gone,” Neil says.
Goldenrod helps prevent soil erosion on sloped land, thanks to its deep, fibrous root system. It also tolerates cold winters and hot summers, making it a good fuss-free addition to any garden, as long as you grow the right species for your yard.
Busting the “Goldenrod Allergy” Myth
Contrary to popular belief, this flower is not responsible for seasonal allergy symptoms, Neil says. “This is a classic case of guilt by association because goldenrods have the unfortunate habit of blooming at the same time as ragweed, the primary cause of hay fever,” he explains, adding that unlike ragweed (Ambrosia), goldenrod’s pollen is not airborne or wind-dispersed. Instead, its heavy, sticky pollen requires insects for pollination.
“Ragweed has very reduced greenish yellow flowers because it’s wind-pollinated and doesn’t have to attract a pollinator. But goldenrod gets blamed for the crime committed by the ragweed.”
What, Where and When to Plant Goldenrod
Use goldenrod plants in borders, wildflower, woodland, herb or meadow gardens, in water-wise landscapes or as specimen plants. While most goldenrods thrive in sunny meadows and prairies, some do well in semishaded woodland locations, boggy environments and salty coastal areas.
Plant solidalgos as transplants in spring, early summer or early fall, providing sufficient time for good root development prior to the onset of winter, Neil says. “Seeds exhibit higher germination success when planted in the fall because they experience the cold, damp conditions in the soil, needed to break seed dormancy. However, stiff goldenrod (S. rigida) generally germinates well when seeded in April through June,” he adds.
Clump-forming types are best for manicured beds, while rhizomatous varieties can spread out in more natural settings. Neil suggests planting the well-behaved types in home gardens rather than more aggressive species such as Canada, grass-leaved, giant, Missouri or zigzag.
“Zigzag goldenrod is great for stabilizing wooded hillsides, but it’s not a good garden companion,” Neil says. “Other goldenrods occupy more specialized habitats that have garden interest, but most are limited to rock garden applications. Some rhizomatous goldenrods are also used in wetland restoration, especially grass-leaved and giant goldenrod.”
Well-behaving goldenrod varieties include blue-stemmed (S. caesia) for shady locations, and gray (S. nemoralis), Ohio (S. ohioensis) and showy (S. speciosa) for areas with lots of direct sunlight. “Sun-loving goldenrods can take incredible drought,” he says, adding that stiff goldenrod (S. rigida) is adaptable and grows in most soil types including clay, sand and loam.
“Ohio is short and compact, reseeds readily, has great foliage and has the biggest flower of any of the goldenrods. It’s a beautiful, perfect garden plant that works in dry soil or in very moist soil, so it’s a great problem-solver if you have a low wet area; I’ve been growing it for 30 years,” Neil says.
Proven Goldenrod Care Tips
Gardeners looking for a resilient, deer-resistant plant that thrives in most soil conditions will love solidago, Neil says. “They’re pretty fuss-free. You’ll get some rust on the leaves later in the season if you have a lot of moisture, but they’re tough,” he says. “You can get other fungal diseases, but usually it won’t affect their ability to bloom, produce seed and survive to come back year after year.”
Like most wildflowers, goldenrods require minimal maintenance. There’s no need to fertilize, since feeding them will produce fewer flowers and cause leggy growth. You can divide rhizomatous varieties every two or three years in the spring to keep them from spreading too much. Deadhead plants after they blossom to stop them from reseeding, or leave seed heads to feed wildlife in cold months. Taller types might need staking. You may want to cut them back early in the summer to promote bushier growth and better flower production.
Goldenrod Pollinator and Wildlife Benefits
Beyond adding vibrant color in autumn gardens, goldenrod plays an important role in supporting a healthy ecosystem. It provides a late-season food source for bees, butterflies and other pollinators drawn to its nectar and pollen-rich blossoms. It also attracts beneficial insects for natural pest control in the landscape. “Goldenrods are phenomenal pollinator attractors used by a wide variety of native bees, flies, parasitic wasps and even beetles,” says Neil.
Solidago helps insects and small mammals. They burrow under its strong stems and dense foliage, which makes the perfect shelter during winter. Birds snack on its seeds, and hummingbirds stop by for nectar, too.
Whether you’re looking to add a splash of sunny color to your yard or lure in beneficial critters, goldenrod could be the perfect plant to boost your flower beds.
Best Types of Goldenrod to Grow
Find the perfect pick for your space based on these lighting needs.
Full Sun Goldenrods:
- Showy (S. speciosa)
- Ohio (S. ohioensis)
- Stiff (S. rigida)
Part Sun Goldenrods:
- Blue-stemmed (S. caesia)
- Gray (S. nemoralis)
- Sweet (S. odora)
About the Expert
Neil Diboll is the president of Prairie Nursery in Westfield, Wisconsin. He has spent much of his life working with plants and educating others about the benefits of using native plants in gardens, landscapes, and restorations. He has given presentations and been a guest on radio shows as well as podcasts, all with the aim of promoting native-plant landscapes.
Sources
- Native Plant Connection, “Goldenrod: A Native Plant Powerhouse for Your Garden“
- Garden For Wildlife, “Why You Should Plant Goldenrod“
- Garden Design, “Garden-Worthy Goldenrod Plants“
