Solidago speciosa (Showy Goldenrod)

One of the showiest goldenrods, Solidago speciosa (Showy Goldenrod) is a rhizomatous perennial forming an upright clump of stiff, narrow-leaved, reddish stems. Blooming for about a month from late summer to fall, they bear dense, pyramidal, terminal clusters, up to 12 in. long (30 cm), packed with tiny, bright yellow flowers. The blossoms occasionally have a mild fragrance. The flowering stems do not curve outward and downward like most other goldenrods but are held erect or curve upward. Attractive to bees, beetles, birds, and butterflies, Showy Goldenrod provides a bold splash of color in the late-season garden. Easy to grow, low care, and trouble-free, this goldenrod species spread at a moderate rate from underground rhizomes. It is a good choice for a wildflower meadow or cottage garden.

• Grows up to 3-5 ft. tall (90-150 cm) and 3-4 ft. wide (90-120 cm). Will spread by creeping rhizomes and self-seeding but is not considered to be invasive.
• Performs best in full sun or light shade in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils. It is not fussy about soils and tolerates dry soils, poor soils, rocky soils, and clay soils. Drought tolerant once established.
• This very showy goldenrod can become aggressive in moist soils.
• A beautiful plant for beds and borders, cottage gardens, wildlife gardens, or wildflower meadows.
• No serious pest or disease issues. Deer resistant.
• Deadhead spent flowers to promote additional bloom.
• Divide every 2 to 3 years to control growth.
• Propagate by seed or by division.
• Native to the central and eastern United States.