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For the low maintenance garden
(by Gina M. Mahon - September 17, 2008)
Now is the time to set the record straight. Many are under the impression that Solidago, commonly known as Goldenrod, is the cause of hay fever this time of the year. Wrong! There is another plant which also blooms this time of the year, mid September, which is the real culprit, Ambrosia, known as Ragweed. It has insignificant flowers, which are not noticed. Rather, the fantastically showy flowers of goldenrod cause many to think that goldenrod is the cause of hay fever.
There are many varieties of this perennial. Solidago canadensis, a native of North America, grows between four and six feet tall. However, in the 1940s, many hybrids were developed in Cheshire, England by Walkden. These cultivars are the ones we see and use in our gardens today.
Depending on the variety, the leaves are between two and five inches long, narrow and have serrated margins. They are an average green color with some being pubescent (hairy) underneath. The showy flowers of goldenrod as its name alludes to are a very rich yellow color and grow as either large panicles or with a rounded top and a flat bottom.
You can plant it from seed in the autumn or anytime as an already growing plant. It prefers full sun although there are a few varieties which will tolerate some light shade. Poor quality soil is best. Sandy with good drainage will produce a much better plant than rich fertile soil. A richer soil will cause goldenrod to grow too tall and you would then have to stake it, thus losing its free flowing form. The flower stalks do not have many horizontal stems, so in May, cut it back to about half and it will branch out and you will have a much fuller plant with many more blooms.
Goldenrod, combined with sedum, asters and grasses makes for a beautiful end of summer early autumn garden. It’s a perfect perennial for a low maintenance garden. For a small garden you may want to use ‘Golden Thumb’, a rather fluffy looking plant which grows to only 12 inches tall. ‘Golden Shower’ has a lighter yellow flower growing in panicles which droop. This variety grows between three and four feet tall and looks great as a back of the border planting. ‘Fireworks’ does well as a mid-border plant. And as a cut flower, it blends in wonderfully when mixed with other cut flowers.
Placed in a vase by itself goldenrod makes a lovely seasonal statement. Also you can cut it, hang it upside down to dry and use it in wreaths. Once the flowers have gone to seed, cut some and share it with friends to plant in their gardens, but don’t forget to leave some in your garden as a snack for our feathered friends and as winter interest. Remember – there can never be enough flowers, so enjoy!”
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