Guide for Growing Goldenrod

One of my favorite flowers in my garden is a goldenrod that was once thought to be extinct, but was recently rediscovered near where it was last known to grow.

Although still endangered in the wild, botanists from the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden Native Endangered Plant Program collected seeds for it. Now you can now buy it as the variety ‘Solar Cascade.’

What Is Goldenrod?

Goldenrod refers to the flowers in the plant genus Solidago. There are around 100 species of goldenrod native to the United States.

Is Goldenrod a Weed?

If you encounter goldenrod in a field or along the roadside, yes. But many gardeners purposely plant goldenrod because it’s a native plant. When blooming it attracts many pollinators, including bees and butterflies.

When Does Goldenrod Bloom?

Sometime in late summer through late fall, depending on the variety.

Types of Goldenrod

Several have been cultivated and made available for home gardeners. Favorites include:

• Stiff Goldenrod: Hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zones 3 through 9, Solidago rigida grows three to five feet tall. It’s great for the back of a flower border.
• Dwarf Goldenrod: Solidago ‘Little Lemon’ grows about a foot tall, making it a good choice for smaller gardens in USDA Zones 5 through 8.
• ‘Solar Cascade’ Goldenrod: Solidago shortii, grows up to two feet tall. It gets its name from the way it cascades as it blooms. Hardy in Zones 3 through 8, it’s good for mass planting.

How To Plant Goldenrod

Goldenrod is usually purchased as a growing plant. It can be planted anytime, but most often in spring or fall.

When planting goldenrod:

• Dig a hole slightly wider than the size of the container, and just as deep.
• Pop the goldenrod out of the container. Spread the roots out a bit, especially if it’s been in the container awhile, and place it in the hole.
• Backfill the hole with the soil you dug out.
• Tamp down the soil around the roots and water well.
• Keep goldenrod watered for several weeks until new roots are established.

How To Care for Goldenrod

Location

Most goldenrod does best in full sun and well-drained soil. When planting, remember that it can spread via underground roots called rhizomes, so give it some room to grow.

Watering

Once established, most goldenrods will tolerate some drought conditions, so additional watering isn’t necessary.

Fertilizing

Goldenrod can generally grow without supplemental fertilizer.

Pruning

There are four times to think about pruning goldenrod.

• When a clump of goldenrod starts to encroach on other plants, you can remove outer stems. Pulling these out and cutting them off as they emerge in early spring doesn’t damage the plant.
• In late spring, cut back goldenrod to encourage branching and a shorter plant. You’ll get more flowers in the fall if you do this. I often cut back my goldenrod by half around Memorial Day in my Zone 6a garden.
• In late fall, after blooming, remove spent blooms to discourage self-sowing elsewhere in your garden.
• In late winter or early spring, as new growth emerges, cut down old stems to ground level. Leaving the stems standing through the winter protects pollinators that may be overwintering.

Dividing

Like many perennial plants, goldenrod can be dug up, divided and replanted. The best time to do this is early spring.

Pests and diseases

Goldenrod is generally not bothered by many pests or diseases. If aphids or other insects attack goldenrod, it’s rarely fatal.

Can I Grow Goldenrod From Seed?

Yes.

Goldenrod seeds need a period of cold to germinate, via a process called stratification. You do this by putting them in a refrigerator for 60 days. You also can sow seeds outdoors in late fall where they will naturally stratify in cold weather, or try winter sowing them.

Can I Dig Up Wild Goldenrod to Plant in My Garden?

No. Don’t do it. You’ll be happier in the long run with some of the named varieties selected for cultivated gardens.

Plus, if you aren’t familiar with the different species of goldenrod, you could be disturbing one endangered in the wild.

Does Goldenrod Cause Hay Fever?

Contrary to popular belief, that’s unlikely.

When hay fever sufferers look to see what’s blooming and causing their symptoms, they often notice goldenrod’s bright yellow flowers first. But goldenrod pollen is so heavy and sticky it’s generally not airborne.

The cause of hay fever is more likely ragweed, which blooms at the same time as goldenrod. It has small green flowers, and the wind spreads its light pollen.