Goldenrod Care
Solidago spp.
A hardy herbaceous plant that loves sun, grown for its bright yellow flower clusters that open in late summer and autumn. It is drought tolerant and very important for bees; some species (such as Canada Goldenrod) can spread aggressively by rhizomes.
Monthly care calendar
Timings are for a temperate Northern Hemisphere climate. In warmer areas tasks start earlier, in colder areas later; in the Southern Hemisphere shift them by six months.
- Pruning: If it was not done in autumn, cut all dry stems from the previous year completely down to the soil.
- General care: A good time to limit the roots (rhizomes) of spreading species.
- Frost risk: Its roots are very hardy; no protection is needed.
- Fertilizing: Compost can be added to the soil, but fertilizer is generally not needed.
- Pruning: If cleanup has not been done, now is the last chance.
- General care: Preparation for propagation by division.
- Pests & diseases: Be prepared to protect the newly emerging shoots from snails.
- Frost risk: Newly emerging shoots may be sensitive to frost.
- Watering: Only for newly planted seedlings, 10-15 L/week if it stays dry; reduce if there is rain.
- Plant protection: Check the newly emerging fresh leaves for snails and slugs.
- General care: It is time to propagate by division and replant.
- Frost risk: Late frosts can damage young shoots.
- Watering: If there is no rainfall, water every 15 days.
- Fertilizing: Not done. Rich soils can cause the plant to topple over.
- Pruning: At the end of May, to control the height of tall species and make them bushier, you can cut the stems back by half (Chelsea Chop).
- Plant protection: Watch for signs of powdery mildew (white powder).
- General care: The plant grows rapidly.
- Pests & diseases: Be careful of powdery mildew.
- Watering: If there is no rainfall, water once a week.
- Pruning: Regularly remove spent flowers at the base; this encourages new flowering.
- General care: Spread a 5-7 cm layer of mulch over the root zone; it retains soil moisture and suppresses weeds. Do not pile mulch against the trunk.
- Pests & diseases: Watch for signs of disease.
- Watering: Water deeply twice a week; prefer infrequent and generous watering over small and frequent. Water so that the soil is wetted 10-15 cm down from the surface.
- Pruning: Regularly remove spent flowers at the base; this encourages new flowering.
- General care: Flower buds form.
- Watering: Water deeply twice a week; prefer infrequent and generous watering over small and frequent. Water so that the soil is wetted 10-15 cm down from the surface.
- Pruning: Regularly remove spent flowers at the base; this encourages new flowering.
- General care: Flowering begins.
- Watering: Water deeply twice a week; prefer infrequent and generous watering over small and frequent. Water so that the soil is wetted 10-15 cm down from the surface.
- Pruning: Regularly remove spent flowers at the base; this encourages new flowering.
- General care: Flowering continues and lasts until fall.
- Watering: If there is no rainfall, water once a week.
- Pruning: Regularly remove spent flowers at the base; this encourages new flowering.
- General care: Flowers are at their peak this month and are a vital nectar source for late-season pollinators.
- Watering: If there is no rainfall, water every 15 days.
- General care: In winter the seed heads become a food source for birds and look beautiful when covered with frost.
- Pests & diseases: Remove leaves affected by powdery mildew.
- Pruning: After the stems have fully dried from frost, cut them completely back to soil level to tidy up. Alternatively, they can be left until spring for winter interest and wildlife.
- General care: Clearing fallen debris prevents diseases for next year.
- Frost risk: Its roots are very hardy.
- Pruning: If winter cleanup has not been done, do it now.
- General care: The plant is dormant.
- Frost risk: Its roots are very hardy.
The care advice on this page is general and for information only; it is not professional advice. Plant age, soil and your garden’s microclimate can change the outcome. Plant protection products are mentioned only as general information; they are regulated, and the choice, dose and timing must be decided by a qualified professional under local rules. Consult a landscape architect or agronomist before applying.
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