About
Solidago virgaurea, the common goldenrod, is a herbaceous perennial to 50 cm forming clumps of sparsely branched stems bearing slender, toothed, lance-shaped leaves and narrow flower spikes of numerous tiny, bright-yellow flowers in late summer. A rewarding and charming native wildflower for a sunny, well-drained border or wildflower meadow.
About the genus
Solidago, the goldenrods, are woody-based perennials producing erect stems bearing narrow leaves and terminal panicles or racemes of small, bright-yellow flowers in summer and autumn. Excellent plants for a sunny, well-drained border; some species can be invasive.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toMost of Europe, including Britain
Care notes
CultivationGrow in poor to moderately fertile, preferably sandy, well-drained soil in full sun
PruningRemove flowered stems to prevent self-seeding
PropagationPropagate by division in early spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to Powdery mildews