growth. Goldenrods can be either
clump formers or spreaders.
Rapid-spreading rhizomes often
require division or removal of the
outside of the expanding clump to
control spread. Clump-forming types
may not need division until about their
4th year. Solidago plants should be
divided in the spring or after flowering
in the autumn.
related plantS Most Solidago
hybrid cultivars are shorter growing
than the native species. Some of the
more notable such cultivars include
‘Cloth of Gold’, 18–24 in. tall; ‘Crown of
Rays’, 24 in., which often starts
flowering in July but can be delayed
until August with pinching or cutting
back; and ‘Golden Fleece’, a 15- to
18-in.-tall, heavily branched and
spreading form that flowers in late
summer to autumn.
Solidago caesia, wreath goldenrod,
is a woodland type that grows in part
shade and dry conditions. Avoid deep
shade. It grows 1–3 ft. tall.
Solidago sempervirens, seaside
goldenrod, tolerates poor,
high-sodium, sandy soils. It grows 4–6
ft. tall and benefits from cutting back
before flowering for height control.
Solidago speciosa, showy goldenrod,
is at home in average to dry conditions
and will get floppy in soils that are too
rich or too moist. It reaches 2–4 ft. tall,
with most of the flowers concentrated
at the top of the stems. It may be
pinched to control height and add
fullness.
Many hybrid cultivars, which most
likely derive from Solidago canadensis,
S. sphacelata, and S. virgaurea, can be
rapid spreaders that require frequent
control.Solidago. Pruning at the proper
time (late May–early June) for
height control creates an
appealing plant.