If you’ve ever walked outside in the late summer season and observed a bunch of golden yellow flowers blooming nearby, this means you’ve already met the goldenrod plant. This sudden bloom is enough to make you stop and smile because this comes in and steals the show when most of the other flowers are fading.
This isn’t about one plant; it’s about the complete variety of various families. There are differences among these, like some are tall and wild, and some are neatly compacted with sharp borders. Such lovely additions to your garden will entirely shape the look.
But you have to understand goldenrod bloom times and heights, so this way you can pick a perfect one for your space.
That’s what we bring for you in the following blog, and all about goldenrod plant benefits and much more to discuss.
Why Choose Goldenrod?
Many people believe that the purpose of planting goldenrod is simply to beautify their property, but it is much more than that. Let us break down the reasons one by one:
- Pollinator Hub: The bees, the butterflies, even the birds are always enjoying nectar and seeds.
- Extends the Season: Whenever most of the flowers fade, it blooms to add life to your garden.
- Low-maintenance: It’s highly drought-tolerant, resistant, and can take abuse in terms of soil quality.
- Healing Uses: Goldenrod is a part of traditional herbology for its anti-inflammatory and medicinal properties.
- Allergy Myth Buster: Goldenrod is sometimes blamed for hay fever. Yet, the true culprit is ragweed.
Goldenrod Varieties: Bloom Times, Height & Ideal For
| Variety & Scientific Names | Height Range | Blooming Time | Ideal For |
| ‘Fireworks’ Goldenrod (Solidago rugosa ‘Fireworks’) | ~3 ft | Late summer to fall | Compact borders, pollinator gardens |
| Showy Goldenrod (Solidago speciosa) | ~3 ft | Late summer/fall | Dry gardens, full sun |
| Canadian Goldenrod (Solidago canadensis) | 4–5 ft | Late summer to mid-fall | Meadows, wildlife gardens |
| Blue-Stemmed Goldenrod (Solidago caesia) | 1–3 ft | Late summer/fall | Shady borders, woodland gardens |
| Tall Goldenrod (Solidago altissima) | 3–7 ft | Late summer/fall | Prairie gardens, large landscapes |
| Zig-Zag Goldenrod (Solidago flexicaulis) | 1–3 ft | Late summer/fall | Woodland gardens, shade planting |
| Stiff Goldenrod (Solidago rigida) | 4–5 ft | Late summer/early fall | Structural accents, mixed borders |
| Grass-Leaved Goldenrod (Euthamia graminifolia) | 1.5–3 ft | Summer | Naturalistic plantings |
| Early Goldenrod (Solidago juncea) | 1.5–3 ft | Mid to late summer | Transition blooms |
How to Find the Best Goldenrod?
Do you want a goldenrod? It entirely depends on the space and season. Let’s have a look at what else you have to see:
- Small borders or spaces: look for the fireworks or showy goldenrod. They look neat, show bold color, and won’t feel overwhelmed in the way of design.
- Shady gardens: To do this, blue-stemmed or zig-zag goldenrods are a very nice choice. Some of them fully bloom in the sun, but these can shine in woodland corners.
- Major impact in big areas: Tall or Canadian goldenrod is a better choice. They’ll fully bloom in the meadows, wildlife gardens, and prairie-style plantings.
- Continuity of seasons: do try to plant early goldenrods to kick off the things in the months of July and August, then also add up the varieties like “ fireworks” and stiff ones to bloom in October too.
How to Incorporate Goldenrods in Your Lawn?
Usually, people want to have a low-maintenance goldenrod strip by the side of the fence. We’ll show you how to do this in steps:
- In the back row: Tall goldenrods to create vertical impact and structure.
- In the middle row: Showy goldenrods to better the structure and the bursts of late-season color.
- In the front row: Bluish stemmed ones with a mix of coneflowers and asters, for a nice shade.
That way, you get a nice mix of goldenrods that will draw in the butterflies and birds.
Final Thoughts
Now we know that goldenrod is far more than being a wildflower; it’s an essential choice to have a blooming and fresh landscape. With the selected variety, you can fill the space in your garden, extend blooming throughout the season, and have a wildlife-friendly haven.
It’s fine whether you need a simple border, fireworks, pops of bright yellow, or just prairie-style giants; a goldenrod is waiting for you. It’s good to hire a professional landscaping company, such as TG’s Landscaping. They will bring expertise to your lawn!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What do you use the goldenrod plant for?
The top part of the goldenrod plant is a traditional medicine. It reduces inflammation. Plus, it is an effective treatment for pain and swelling.
2. What does a goldenrod symbolize?
It is commonly symbolized as growth, encouragement, good luck, positivity, and protection.
3. Can we eat goldenrods?
Yes, the flowers can be eaten and also used as garnishes. Besides, they are also used in the dried or fresh form to use as garnishes.
