Summary
Showy goldenrod (Solidago speciosa) is an under-appreciated but very elegant goldenrod that should be used more in our gardens. It has beautiful soft yellow upright panicles of flowers atop 3-5’ tall stems with rich deep green foliage and blooms from mid-September to mid-October. Showy goldenrod is clump-forming and not aggressive like some other species of goldenrod. It prefers full sun and well-drained conditions but is tolerant of many soil types. Showy goldenrod is lovely for the perennial border or the native meadow garden in combination with little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), broomsedge bluestem (Andropogon virginicus), prairie dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis), Bluebird smooth aster (Symphyotrichum laeve var. laeve ‘Bluebird’), shaggy gayfeather (Liatris pilosa), and Vivid obedient-plant (Physostegia virginiana ‘Vivid’). Zones 3-8.
More Details
- Sun/Shade Conditions
full-sun - Foliage Character
deciduous - Soil Moisture
average-to-dry - Flowering Period
early-to-mid-fall - Soil PH
adaptable - Flower Color
yellow - Summer Foliage Color
green - Fall Foliage Color
green - Fruit/Seed Color
green, tan
Additional Information
Flora of North America, USDA plants, Illinois Wildflowers, Misssouri Botanical Garden