Tall goldenrod
Solidago altissima · Asteraceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant tall goldenrod: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- Late summer to fall (August-October)
- Adult size
- 1.2 to 1.8 m in height
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (down to -25°C)
- Origin
- North America
- Soil type
- Well-drained, tolerant
Care
Sunlight
Tall goldenrod prefers a sunny location (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily) for abundant flowering. It tolerates partial shade, but flower production decreases. Avoid dense shade areas.
Watering
Water regularly for the first two years after planting to encourage root establishment. Once established, the plant is very drought-tolerant and needs little watering. During heat waves, weekly watering is sufficient.
Soil and Drainage
Tall goldenrod adapts to most soils, even poor or chalky ones, as long as they drain well. Avoid permanently waterlogged soils. Adding compost at planting time improves root establishment.
Fertilization
A light feeder: well-decomposed compost in spring is more than enough. Avoid excess nitrogen, which would promote excessive vegetative growth at the expense of flowering.
Pruning and Cleanup
Cut stems in half in June to get a more compact and floriferous plant. Remove faded flowers to encourage prolonged flowering. In late fall, cut back to ground level after the first frosts.
Health and Pests
Tall goldenrod is very hardy and rarely susceptible to disease. Powdery mildew may occasionally appear late in humid seasons. Ensure good air circulation and remove diseased leaves. Chemical treatment is generally unnecessary.
Did you know?
Long wrongly blamed for causing seasonal allergies, tall goldenrod produces only heavy, sticky pollen transported by insects, not by wind. It's actually ragweed, which flowers at the same time, that's the real culprit! In Europe, goldenrod is even considered a precious honey plant for pollinators in late season.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- SunflowerHelianthus annuus
- YarrowAchillea millefolium
- Ox-eye daisyLeucanthemum vulgare
- SneezewortAchillea ptarmica
- Canadian goldenrodSolidago canadensis
- WormwoodArtemisia absinthium
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.