November 9, 2024, 4:02 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
Goldenrod is particularly attractive in the natural garden with its robust charm. The plant is medicinal and a real magnet for bees. New varieties also don’t overgrow.
The long, yellow flower panicles of the somewhat discredited goldenrod are indeed reminiscent of gold-pollinated rods. For a long time, hobby gardeners said “hands off”! This is because, once in the garden, it was difficult to get rid of these rampant plants. It is mainly the wild forms that are problematic. However, new species and cultivars do not spread nearly as much and do not crowd out other flowers in a border. Growing in loose groups, goldenrods with their overhanging flower panicles make a picturesque sight. The flower nectar is also an important source of food for bees. It flowers from July to October. Individual sprigs of flowers make beautiful vase decorations.
Planting goldenrod in the garden
This modest composite plant does well in both sunny and semi-shady locations. Goldenrods are also not very demanding when it comes to garden soil. The perennial is best planted in spring or fall. Depending on the variety, goldenrods grow 40 to 100 centimeters tall. A planting distance of around 40 centimeters should be sufficient.
The plant owes its bad reputation mainly to two species that are causing trouble in the garden as neophytes: Giant goldenrod and Canadian goldenrod. New Solidago hybrids, on the other hand, do not cause any trouble but are a true ornamental for the shrub bed. “Strahlenkrone” has flat-growing, golden-yellow flower panicles and grows to a height of 60 centimeters. Two other beautiful varieties grow to a height of 80 centimeters: “Goldenmosa” with large, golden-yellow flower panicles and “Goldenshower” with dark yellow flowers. Goldenrods fit well in a cottage or natural garden and in borders. Suitable neighboring plants include coneflowers with reddish-brown flowers, bright purple autumn asters, or globe thistles.
Optimal care for goldenrod
Goldenrod is undemanding and requires little care.
Watering
The perennial can cope well with drought. This is why goldenrod is also suitable for a rockery or prairie garden. This robust plant only needs to be watered at longer intervals. Waterlogging should be avoided.
Fertilizing
These undemanding perennials thrive well in nutrient-poor soil. Fertilizing is not necessary.
Pruning
Hybrids can be pruned before budding in spring. Sprawling wild forms should be pruned after flowering in October.
Propagation
Goldenrods will self-seed. However, the perennials can also be propagated by division.
Frost protection
Hardy goldenrods do not need frost protection in the garden. If cultivated in a tub, it helps to wrap some fleece around the container.
The right time to harvest
As a medicinal herb, goldenrod primarily alleviates bladder complaints and urinary tract disorders. Goldenrod is also said to be effective against gout, rheumatism, and arthritis – at the beginning of the flowering period. The upper parts of the plant, flowers, and leaves can then be harvested. Goldenrod can be used for teas, tinctures, or herbal wine.
Insects love it Planting and care tips for the common viper’s bugloss
Delicate summer flowers with bright colors Planting and care tips for cosmos
Butterfly magnet Common boneset – planting and care tips for the wild perennial
Diseases and pests
The hardy plants are hardly affected by pests. However, snail infestation can occur from time to time. If the perennials are too dry over a longer period of time, powdery mildew can sometimes spread.