The Case for Goldenrod

The court of public opinion delivered its verdict long ago: goldenrod is just a weed. This beleaguered plant is blamed for seasonal allergies, condemned for it’s raggedy appearance and accused of possessing an aggressive habit. True goldenrods are all members of the Solidago genus. What many people don’t realize is that this is a genus of numerous species, many of which have garden-positive traits that make them both attractive and valuable in your garden.

Goldenrods are erroneously blamed for seasonal allergies because their showy blooms appear right as the real culprit, giant ragweed, begins to disperse its small grains of pollen into the air. Goldenrod pollen is not airborne; it relies on insect pollinators to move it from plant to plant. This pollen does not affect your sensitive nose, and it is in fact an indispensable food source in fall for hungry bees, butterflies and other pollinators.

At the mention of goldenrod, what likely comes to mind is the common Canada goldenrod, Solidago canadensis. This species thrives in urban areas like vacant lots and roadsides, where its seeds quickly occupy disturbed soils. Despite it’s sometimes raggedy appearance and weedy reputation, each fall it offers up attractive golden plumes-rich with nectar and pollen.

There are several Solidago species however, that offer these valuable resources to pollinators while still maintaining an attractive appearance and good manners in the garden. I have included below descriptions of a few favorite goldenrod species that are just about to burst into bloom in my yard. They are well suited for the garden and will soon be abuzz with a myriad of butterflies and bees. I hope you will find some spots in your yard for these beautiful and beneficial native wildflowers.

• Seaside Goldenrod, Solidago sempervirens – salt-tolerant, adapts to many soils types and is tolerant of wet or dry conditions once established. Very showy stalks of blooms reach 3-6 feet tall. The plant forms a clump and will reseed, but not aggressively. Prefers full sun to part sun.
• Sweet Goldenrod, Solidago odora – pretty pyramidal clusters of yellow blooms atop stalks 3-4 foot tall. Grows in average garden soil and is adaptable to clayey soils. Anise-scented foliage makes a tasty tea. “Liberty Tea” was used by colonists after the Boston Tea Party of 1773. Clump grower, reseeds. Full to part sun.
• Wand Goldenrod, Solidago stricta – sends up tall, thin ‘wands’ 2-4 foot tall topped with bright, clear yellow blooms. Very easy to grow and adaptable to many soil types. Prefers full to part sun.
• Downy Goldenrod, Solidago petiolaris – one of the most uniform and compact goldenrods, forms a clump, which grows wider but is not agressive. Spikes of canary yellow flowers 2-4 feet tall. Average soil and water needs. Full sun.
• Wreath Goldenrod, Solidago caesia- arching branches of blooms on low, 2ft tall stalks. Reseeds and spreads by root, but not aggressive. Grows in full sun, but is also tolerant of dappled shade.

Plant Native Perennial Wildflowers for Long Lived Beauty in the Garden

The toughest, longest lasting perennials in our garden are native wildflowers. When placed properly, I don’t think I exaggerate in predicting they will be with me for a lifetime.  Many of my favorites are early spring woodland wildflowers such as bloodroot, trillium, Jack-in-the-pulpit, green dragon, mayapple, columbine and woodland phlox. These are mostly dormant now, but watch for them in woodland gardens and in the wild next year. Trillium starts the show, emerging in December, and Indian pink gives the finale in April.

Photos courtesy of Elizabeth Georges

Indian pink’s bright red tubular flowers attract hummingbirds and each plant matures to two feet tall by three feet wide. It is mild mannered, spreading nicely by seed as long as it is not mulched heavily.

For the sunny garden, plant purple coneflower. Its large pink daisy-like blossoms on three to four foot stems are striking in late spring and early summer and attract both bees and butterflies. We planted one purple coneflower in our front yard garden nearly 20 years ago and now have a multitude of plants. They multiply by clumping as well as from seed. The flowers cut nicely for use in arrangements. One cultivar that has performed well in our butterfly garden is ‘Kim’s Knee High’. This coneflower is shorter (knee high) and blooms for a longer season.

Another stellar native perennial for a sunny spot is oxeye sunflower, also known as Heliopsis. This plant, with abundant sunny yellow flowers, starts blooming in early spring and blooms into fall. It is bushy but only gets to 21/2 feet tall. Heliopsis attracts lots of pollinating insects.

I also recommend dwarf ironweed and narrowleaf sunflower for their value as pollinator plants and for their toughness and vivid colors. However, both spread aggressively and form large masses so are best used on larger properties or where you would like a mass of purple or yellow. Ironweed blooms mostly in the summer while the sunflower is at its peak in autumn.

All of the native perennials in this article have performed well for me. You may have to experiment to find the right ones for your yard.  Most perennials do best in soil that is well drained and rich in organic matter. Mix in abundant mushroom compost or homemade compost to the soil prior to planting. Healthy soil pays dividends in the vigor of plants and in the ease of maintenance of the garden. Match the plants to the soil and light conditions in your yard.

These are just a few of the many native perennials that grace our yard. I am committed to trying new ones as well. This year I planted twinflower in our butterfly garden. It is low growing with violet flowers and is a larval food plant for buckeye butterflies. We have had a few caterpillars already! I’ll be able to comment on its longevity in a few years…….

Create a Secret Garden using Woodland Wildflowers

I have always loved secret gardens. There is something enchanting about passing through an archway or space between two shrubs into a little clearing surrounded by wild violets, deep green ferns and fragrant wild azaleas. Picture yourself entirely surrounded by evergreen shrubs, blue sky above, sitting in a comfy chair invisible to the rest of the world.

We have been working on a secret garden at Native Nurseries for several years. The major backdrop is formed by some large mountain laurels that were planted in the early 1980s. When we started the garden a few years ago, we had to plant 3 more mountain laurels and a Florida anise to make the rest of the backdrop and they have not filled in yet; this is a work in progress. There is also a magnolia and agarista that help form the secret garden as well as a homemade cedar/bamboo fence along one side.

We created a short path and small stone patio on which sit two chairs and a low table. We added wild azaleas, native ferns, lots of Indian pinks, wild phlox, bloodroot, Jack-in-the-pulpit and other woodland wildflowers. This is a quiet retreat where my husband Jody eats lunch on a busy Saturday. Once I noticed that one of the chairs was missing from the secret garden and I soon found the chair along with Jody deep inside one of the big mountain laurels which enveloped an excellent hiding place. He was reading his book in peace.

You don’t need to have a secret garden to enjoy a wildflower garden. To start your own woodland wildflower garden, select a shady spot in your yard. Dig into the soil. Is it well- drained? Is it easy to dig down? If not, you may need to add organic matter to the area. If the shade is high (large pines or hardwoods), you may want to plant a native shrub or small tree. A wild azalea, Florida anise or Ashe magnolia would make a nice centerpiece. Then plant a variety of woodland wildflowers around it.

One of the shady islands in our parking lot is fun to watch throughout the seasons. It is anchored by an Ashe magnolia tree which sports huge leaves and equally huge white flowers with purple markings in April. The wildflower parade begins in late winter.

First up are the mottled green leaves and deep maroon flowers of trillium and the dainty white flowers of bloodroot. Wild violets are blooming at the same time, as are the bright yellow trout lilies. Soon to follow are the green hooded flowers of Jack-in-the-pulpit. Woodland phlox is just beginning to bloom; by March its purple masses will be very showy. About the same time, the red and yellow bells of wild columbine will appear over taller fern-like foliage, attracting the first of the ruby-throated hummingbirds to return this spring. By May, Indian pink is in full bloom, its red tubular blossoms also attractive to hummingbirds.

Bloodroot

Wild Columbine 

Rue Anemone

Woodland Phlox

Do not mulch the garden except with the leaves that naturally fall there. This will enable the wildflowers to spread by seed over time. If they are happy, they will spread! Set up a chair or bench nearby to enjoy your tranquil garden.