Species goldenrod
yellow flowers with brown-yellow center, green leaves and brown stems

goldenrod

Solidago virgaurea subsp. minuta

Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea subsp. minuta) is an herbaceous perennial with bright yellow flowers, growing in clumps up to 1.2 metres tall. It is native to the grasslands of Europe and North America, but has naturalised in many others parts of the world. This species of goldenrod produces aromatic foliage when crushed and has a sturdy upright habit. The leaves at the base are lance-shaped and arranged alternately, with smaller, linear leaves along the stems. Bright yellow flowers bloom in autumn to late summer and attract beneficial pollinators. Goldenrod is tolerant of most soil types, grows in sunny or semi shaded locations and is easy to care for - needing only a light trim after flowering.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Division,Cutting,Layering Propagation,Root Cutting

Hardiness Zone:

5 - 8

Flowers:

Yellow Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Goldenrod should be watered when the topsoil feels dry to the touch. Damp soil should be avoided. A deep watering once or twice per week should be sufficient, depending on the temperature and humidity; during hot, dry periods the plant may need to be watered more frequently. During the winter months, water the plant only when the top few inches of soil become dry, usually every couple of weeks. When watering goldenrod, avoid getting water on the leaves as this can cause leaf spots.

sunlight

Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea subsp. minuta) plants require full sun to partial shade. They prefer long periods of direct sunlight, typically at least 6 hours each day. This species of goldenrod can also tolerate less sunlight when blooming in the winter months, but it may not flower if not exposed to enough sun.

pruning

Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea subsp. minuta) should be pruned in late spring as it begins to grow. Start by trimming off any dead stems and removing any stems that have become crowded or blocked out by other stems. This will also provide better air circulation and sunlight penetration. Do not prune more than 1-third of the stems at 1 time, as this may weaken or damage the plant. Next, selectively prune any branches or stems that are more than 3-4 feet tall, to encourage branching at the bottom and keep the size of the goldenrod trimmed down and neat. Make sure to use sharp pruning shears and cut at a 45 degree angle, just above a node. Lastly, top off any tall stems at the top, to further encourage branching.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Goldenrod typically starts flowering in late summer and early fall, usually in August or September.

Starts Flowering

Goldenrod typically starts flowering in late summer and early fall, usually in August or September.

Hardiness Map