Goldenrod offers range of options
Just about everyone recognizes goldenrod when it’s blooming in August and September along the roadsides. But many gardeners raise their eyebrows when they see goldenrod blooming in my shady backyard.
Isn’t goldenrod a sunloving plant? Most are, it’s true. But there are a lot of different kinds, and a few of those actually prefer the shade.
Some kinds of goldenrod are way too tall and aggressive to share space with other perennials in a tidy flower border. Others are short and well-behaved. Rest assured there’s a species or hybrid suited for any garden, large or small, sun or shade, moist or dry. The trick is to pick the right one.
Goldenrod long took the rap for ragweed as a major cause of hayfever, but that was debunked years ago. Even if you are plagued by allergies, feel free to enjoy goldenrod flowers in your garden and cut or dried bouquets in the house.
This hardy perennial offers more than just a cheery display of yellow flowers. It is also an important source of pollen and nectar for butterflies and other pollinators. Late in the growing season, the seeds are relished by songbirds.
One of the best species for shade is anise-scented goldenrod (Solidago odora), the one I planted in my backyard. It grows about 18 inches tall. If you crush some leaves, you’ll notice a licorice fragrance. Maybe that’s why the rabbits have left it alone. Be patient. Like many other shade plants, anise-scented goldenrod is slower to grow than its full-sun counterparts. Once established, it is drought-tolerant.
Riddell’s goldenrod (Solidago riddellii) is a good choice for a sunny garden. It grows about three feet tall. Unlike anise goldenrod, Riddell’s goldenrod grows best in wet soil and is a fine choice for a rain garden.
If you have a spot with partial shade and medium soil, try blue-stemmed goldenrod (Solidago caesia). Growing about 2 feet tall, it boasts a fine texture and a graceful habit. This species also does well in full sun.
When you have a lot of something, I suppose it’s only natural to take it for granted. No doubt that’s why it took the Europeans to recognize the beauty of our roadside “weeds” and start selecting new varieties. Slowly we woke up to realize that goldenrods should be planted in American gardens, too.
Today’s hybrids offer a range of sizes. Popular choices include Golden Baby, 16 inches tall; Peter Pan, 24 inches tall; Crown of Rays, 30 inches tall; and Fireworks, 36 inches tall. For an autumn attraction, they make fine companions for asters and a good backdrop for garden mums.