Goldenrod, goldenrod herb, Solidago – plants and care

Goldenrod, Goldenrod herb and Solidago – behind these names hides an undemanding plant, which nevertheless does not skimp on the rich flowers.
Because it gets by with little care, the goldenrod is particularly suitable for those new to their own green space. But even experienced hobby gardeners with a green thumb will enjoy the golden flowers and wild appearance. Available in numerous cultivated forms of different heights, Solidago is also ideal for a wide variety of areas. From the small variants for the table garden to the giant goldenrod, which can serve as a privacy screen – the goldenrod herb can also convince in this area across the board.

location and substrate

The location of the goldenrod should be warm and sunny, then it will flower profusely from May to October. But it also tolerates a place with light shade. However, as soon as it gets too dark for her, the number and luminosity of the flowers decrease considerably. And of course there must be enough free space at the location of the goldenrod, the size of which should be based on the selected variety.

With a maximum height of 40 cm, the dwarf goldenrod fits well on low-growth beds and in small niches. For the giant goldenrod with a height of up to 200 cm, it has to be a larger place that also offers a lot of free space at the top.

Note: Goldenrod herb is particularly attractive to bees and other beneficial insects during flowering. To be on the safe side, allergy sufferers should not plant the bee pasture too close to frequently used areas.

The goldenrod does not make any special demands on the substrate. However, the plant thrives best in loamy-sandy soil that is moderately nutrient-rich and permeable. Regular garden soil, mixed with clay powder and sand if necessary, is the best long-term choice.

Potting soil or bucket soil also serves the purpose.

plant

When planting the Solidago, only the timing has to be taken into account. The best time is late spring, after the last frost. Because the young goldenrods are still somewhat sensitive to sub-zero temperatures. Once established, the goldenrod herb is very resilient to cold temperatures.

Goldenrod herb as a plague

Goldenrod herb can spread quite quickly if left unchecked. The undemanding plant also manages to crowd out other plants. If you want to avoid this, you should already ensure local limitations when inserting. A commercially available root border is suitable for this.

Alternatively, a breeding form can be chosen that hardly spreads via roots, such as the golden ribbon rod that grows in eyries.
In addition to the roots, the seeds also become a potential problem for surrounding plants. After the flowering period, these scatter by themselves and with the wind in the surrounding area. In the following year, numerous offspring can arise from this, which become serious competition for other plants. To prevent this, removing the seed is a good idea. The easiest way to achieve this is through timely blending. As soon as the flowers slowly wither and dry out, they should be cut off. Then the seeds have no opportunity to become independent.
Due to the long flowering period of the Solidago from May to October, scissors have to be used more often. However, a check-up every two weeks is usually sufficient.

maintenance

When caring for the Solidago, gardeners should shine with restraint. Especially if the goldenrod was planted freely in the garden. Basically, the plant is self-sufficient and only rarely needs help.

Watering, fertilizing, trimming and rejuvenation must still be on the program from time to time.

watering and fertilizing

Goldenrod tolerates drought well. Regular watering is therefore only necessary when cultivating in a tub or pot. Especially if the planter is covered.

Set free in the garden, the Solidago takes care of itself. Here, too, it makes sense to use a hose or watering can during longer dry periods. The additional watering not only drives growth, it can also prolong flowering and ensure that the goldenrod herb is less susceptible.

Solidago requires few nutrients despite the rich flowering and fairly rapid growth. Fertilization is therefore not absolutely necessary with moderately nutrient-rich substrate.

If you still want to do something good for the goldenrod, it is best to use an organic fertilizer in spring. A small amount of compost or horn shavings lightly worked into the surface of the substrate will do just fine. It should then be watered plentifully so that the nutrients can be well distributed in the soil.

Culture in pots and tubs

Solidago can easily be grown in planters. Here, too, a location in the sun that is as warm as possible is optimal. Potting soil and bucket soil are suitable as a substrate, which can be enriched with sand and clay powder for even better growth. It is particularly important that sufficient drainage is provided. Under no circumstances should the water be able to accumulate.

If the goldenrod in tub culture does not get any rain, regular watering is also necessary. Normal tap water is sufficient, but rainwater is a better choice. If the substrate was chosen appropriately, only one swell per year is necessary in the container. As an alternative to fertilization, the goldenrod herb can be provided with fresh substrate.

To cut

Goldenrod tends to propagate itself quickly through shed seeds. In this case, the root barrier does not provide protection against spreading.
Only the targeted cutting towards the end of flowering can prevent the unwanted spread. The faded areas are simply cut off before the seeds can fall out. If the flowers are already very dry, it is advisable to maintain a bowl or spread a tarp on the ground while cutting. This precautionary measure later saves a lot of time when weeding the unwanted young plants.

In the spring, another cut of the goldenrod is due. Again, only the dried withered parts of the plant are cut off. It is best to prune on a day that is not too sunny, before the plant sprout itself. But you don’t have to wait for it to be completely free of frost.

Tip: The goldenrod herb can also be used as a cut flower, as it tolerates shortening without any problems.

hibernate

Depending on the breed, the goldenrod is extremely hardy and withstands temperatures of around -30°C without damage. In winter, it is therefore not necessary to carry out special protective measures for the goldenrod herb standing freely in the garden.

Different with the culture in pots or tubs. The smaller the vessel and the less substrate it holds, the better the protection should be. For larger containers, garden fleece is recommended as a covering, smaller pots should be wintered in a cold room that can be dark. This is possible because the Solidago’s energy reserves are withdrawn into the roots anyway, so no light is needed.

propagation and rejuvenation

Older and larger goldenrods tend to produce fewer and fewer flowers over time. Even if sufficient water and nutrients are provided.
Anyone who is already planning to increase the Solidago can solve this problem at the same time.

The following procedure is necessary for targeted propagation:

  1. The goldenrod herb is dug up in the spring and freed from the ground.
  2. The rootstock is divided as centrally as possible, for example with a sharp knife or directly with a spade.
  3. The resulting parts are planted in fresh substrate and watered.

The propagation of the goldenrod is therefore extremely simple. And it also serves another purpose, it rejuvenates the plant. The plant will bloom again and be stimulated to sprout again. In addition, the propagation is a good opportunity to provide the goldenrod with fresh substrate.

Turn over and repot

Solidago can stand at the same location for several years, provided that it has been chosen appropriately. A transfer is therefore only necessary if the place proves to be unsuitable. It is better to divide the plant on the spot and to supply it with fresh substrate immediately afterwards.

The same applies to culture in buckets or pots. Repotting only makes sense if the soil has been completely washed out and used up or if the pot proves to be too small. A regular switch to larger vessels, however, is not necessary.

Typical diseases and pests

With regard to pests and diseases, the Solidago is extremely robust and not susceptible. Not even snail damage is to be feared. Only mildew can become a problem on her. However, this only occurs if the plant is too dry for a long period of time. The best prevention is therefore watering as needed. If there is already an infestation with powdery mildew, which is expressed by a white, floury or powdery coating on the leaves, you can combat this with diluted milk. A solution of one part milk and eight to nine parts water is mixed and sprayed onto the plant. After an exposure time of 30 to 60 minutes, the solution is rinsed off with clear water. If necessary, the treatment is repeated after a week.

The goldenrod can also suffer if the substrate contains too many nutrients. This hinders growth, the plant appears thin, powerless and bushy. And can even go down. Here only a change of soil provides relaxation.

Finally, if the site is too wet and waterlogging is common, rot can occur. This is easy to prevent if the goldenrod herb is in a pot or bucket. If the ground water is high or in the wrong location, only moving will help.

Is the goldenrod poisonous?

Goldenrod is safe to plant in gardens where children and pets play. Because not only is it non-toxic, it is even a medicinal plant. Used in a variety of diseases.

The only exceptions here are cattle and horses, they can actually get poisoned by the Solidago. They should therefore not be found in the pasture. It is also possible that the goldenrod herb can trigger a contact allergy through the plant sap or hay fever through the pollen. If sensitivity already exists, appropriate precautionary measures, such as wearing gloves, should therefore be taken. If necessary, the goldenrod must be removed and avoided.

Kira Bellingham

I'm a homes writer and editor with more than 20 years' experience in publishing. I have worked across many titles, including Ideal Home and, of course, Homes & Gardens. My day job is as Chief Group Sub Editor across the homes and interiors titles in the group. This has given me broad experience in interiors advice on just about every subject. I'm obsessed with interiors and delighted to be part of the Homes & Gardens team.

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