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Solidago – Golden Rod

By Rupert Foxton-Smythe

Solidago – Golden Rod

Golden Rod, also known as Solidago, is an exquisite autumn-cut flower that thrives in various garden conditions and offers stunning varieties.

TL;DR

Golden Rod is a beautiful autumn-cut flower that grows well in ordinary soil and in full sun or partial shade. Thinning out growths helps obtain better spikes of flowers.

  • Golden Rod is a versatile flower that grows well in ordinary soil and various light conditions.
  • Thinning out growths improves the quality of flower spikes.
  • Flowers are available from July to October, with different varieties and heights.

As an autumn-cut flower, Golden Rod is not to be despised, although it is often referred to slightingly. Growing well in ordinary soil and in full sun or partial shade, the plants do not require any spedalsituation. It is wise to thin out growths and so obtain better spikes of flowers.

Unrestricted growth results in crowded inner stems, and certainly when the older woody parts die it is made easy for disease to enter and spread from such places. Perhaps the ideal way to maintain a first-class stock is to place some plants in the cold frame in the autumn, when flowering is over, and make small divisions of one or two crowns each in the early spring. These are planted out at 18-24 in. apart, to give room for good blooms for cutting to develop.

Flowers are available from the end of July until October and good varieties are: S. canadensis, 5 ft; S. shortii, pyramid-shaped spikes of 4 ft or more. Recently, several new kinds have been introduced, which generally are considerably shorter than the older varieties.

These include `Goldstral’, bright yellow, 4 ft; ‘Golden Gates’, ‘Golden Falls’ and `Lemore’, all 2 ft. S. missouriensis was once widely known under the name of Aster hybridus luteus, growing just over 2 ft; it has distinct panicles of star-like yellow flowers. ‘Golden Rose’ is also of value as a dried flower.

As an autumn-cut flower, Golden Rod is not to be despised, although it is often referred to slightingly.

More Information on Solidago – Golden Rod

Golden Rod, also known as Solidago, is an exquisite autumn-cut flower that is often underestimated. It thrives in ordinary soil and can tolerate full sun or partial shade, making it a versatile plant for various garden conditions. To ensure the best quality spikes of flowers, it is recommended to thin out the growths periodically. While unrestricted growth may lead to crowded inner stems, the older woody parts provide an entry point for diseases. To maintain a first-class stock, consider placing some plants in a cold frame during autumn and making small divisions of one or two crowns each in early spring. Plant these divisions 18-24 inches apart to allow for ample space for the development of beautiful blooms. Golden Rod offers a range of stunning varieties to choose from. S. canadensis reaches an impressive height of 5 feet, while S. shortii boasts pyramid-shaped spikes of 4 feet or more. More recently, new and shorter varieties have been introduced. For instance, 'Goldstral' stands at 4 feet and displays bright yellow flowers, while 'Golden Gates', 'Golden Falls', and 'Lemore' all reach a height of 2 feet. In addition to its ornamental value, Golden Rod also holds significance as a dried flower. 'Golden Rose' is particularly cherished in this regard. With its availability from July to October, Golden Rod offers a long-lasting burst of color to autumn gardens. Whether used as a focal point in flower arrangements or as a charming addition to dried floral displays, this versatile flower adds beauty and elegance to any landscape.

About the author

Rupert Foxton-Smythe

Rupert Foxton-Smythe is a seasoned horticulturist and avid plant enthusiast with over three decades of experience in the field of botany. As a leading expert at Houseplant Guru, Rupert brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep passion for all things green.

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