If someone talks to us about weeds or grasses, the first thought that comes to mind is that things don't look so good. But if we tell you there's a weed in our bouquets, would you be able to tell us who it is? The one hiding in our bouquets is the precious one. solidarity, also known as goldenrod, today's protagonist.
If the name of solidarity It doesn't sound familiar to you, maybe it's because you know it as goldenrodSolidago is a small plant that usually measures between 20 cm and 1 m high. Its leaves are oval and elongated one color dark greenThe flowers, on the other hand, are a color that draws a lot of attention: yellow and gathered in long, thin inflorescences emerging from the tips of the branches.
We're so in love with solidago that you can find it in several of our bouquets. One of them is a veteran, one of our favorites. Always on, The beautiful Orange Hill. On the other hand, it can also be found in one of our new acquisitions, the Sunset BoulevardDo you know him yet?
What is solidago or goldenrod?
solidago It is a genus of the family Asteraceae which brings together more than a hundred species of perennial herbaceous plants, originating from North America, Eurasia and South AmericaIn gardening, both wild species (such as solidago virgaurea, S. canadensis, S. chilensis, S. nemoralis, S. flexicaulis, S. speciosa, S. sempervirens o S. bicolor) as horticultural hybrids selected for their behavior in the gardenOne of the most appreciated varieties is Solidago 'Strahlenkrone', a hybrid goldenrod of compact build (approx. 75 cm tall and 45 cm wide) that forms a dense, flexible clump. It produces a abundant flowering in feathery panicles, with small yellow heads supported by pedicels of the same shade. Unlike some wild species, It does not spread by stolons nor is it invasive, so it adapts to gardens of any size.
Flowering in the genus is usually concentrated from midsummer to early fall, providing a burst of color when many plants have already finished. The foliage is of medium to dark green tone, somewhat rough to the touch, with elongated leaves and finely toothed edges. In cold climates, the aerial part disappears in late autumn and bounces vigorously in spring from its perennial base.
Most important care of solidago
Location and light: Solidago is versatile. In regions with mild summers, it can go full sun; in very hot areas, it performs better in bright semi-shade to avoid stress from extreme heatstroke. As for wind, it is advisable to place it sheltered from strong gusts so that the inflorescences do not bend prematurely.
Ground: It is not demanding. It adapts to soils ordinary to sandy, whenever there is good drainage. Thanks for the presence of organic material that retains light moisture without becoming waterlogged. If the soil is very poor, add compost to the planting hole.
Irrigation: prefers the substrate to be slightly damp constantly. In hot weather, you can find your way around 3-4 waterings per week (adjusting to climate, exposure and soil type). The rest of the year, with watering every 3-4 days is usually enough. It avoids both the prolonged drought such as ponding.
Temperature and humidity: she is a lively one rustic, tolerant of warm environments as long as it is watered. Excessive heat and dryness can promote the appearance of powdery mildew in the foliage; it favors the ventilation and avoid wetting the leaves at dusk.
Pot requirements: grow it in containers of at least 25-30cm diameter, with a universal drainage substrate and a layer of expanded clay at the bottom. Check watering more often than in the ground, as the substrate dries out more quickly in a pot.
How to grow, plant and transplant
Plantation: you can plant in spring or fall, when the soil is neither frozen nor excessively hot. Dig wide holes, aerate the soil, and mix in some compost if it's lean. distance recommended between plants is 40 cm so that each plant can develop without competition.
Sowing by seeds: Solidago seeds are readily available. Spread a thin layer on the soil. slightly damp and press gently. Keep moist by spraying until germination. Once the seedlings have several leaves, clarify them to respect the appropriate separation.
Multiplication by division: The most reliable method is kill division. Do it in spring o autumn, separating portions with healthy roots and vigorous shoots. It is advisable to divide them approximately every three years to rejuvenate them; you can remove lower leaves before replanting to reduce transpiration.
Transplant: In a pot, renew the substrate every 2-3 seasons or when the roots have colonized the entire container. Transfer to a larger pot to avoid water stress and encourage flowering.
Vigor control: some wild species, such as S. canadensis o S. Gigantea, They may be very expansive in fertile soils. If you are concerned about progress, choose compact cultivars (e.g. 'Strahlenkrone') or install root barriers shallow around the bush.
Pruning, fertilization and maintenance
Pruning for cleaning: withdraw withered stems during the season to stimulate new canes. When flowering is over, you can cut at ground level so that it sprouts strongly the following spring.
Subscriber: responds well to a universal fertilizer. During the growth and flowering period (spring-summer), it provides organic material or a balanced fertilizer from time to time. Avoid excess nitrogen: too much fertilizer causes tall and weak stems that bend. In a pot, reduce dosage and frequency compared to soil.
Padded: un organic mulch around the base retains moisture, limits competing weeds and protects the roots from heat.
Support: In tall varieties or windy areas, you can place discreet tutors to keep the ears of corn upright in their maximum splendor.
Seasonal irrigation: When temperatures rise, slightly increase the frequency without saturating. In cool weather, reduce it while maintaining a soft moisture of the substrate.
Plagues and diseases
Red spider (Tetranychus urticae): It proliferates with heat and dryness, leaving light spots on the leaves. Prevent with ventilated environment and adequate irrigation; deals with potassium soap or paraffin oil if the infestation is mild.
Aphids: They focus on tender shoots and flower stalks. You can control them with water showers, release of auxiliary fauna or applications of potassium soap, repeating weekly until eradicated.
Powdery mildew: A whitish powder on leaves indicates fungal infection, favored by water stress and heat. Improves the air circulationAvoid wetting the foliage and remove affected areas. Applying a specific fungicide may be necessary in advanced cases.
Rots caused by waterlogging: If the soil drains poorly, they can arise root pathogens. Correct with drainage, raise the flowerbed or use more porous substrates.
Solidago 'Strahlenkrone' and other recommended varieties
Solidago 'Strahlenkrone': compact hybrid, non-invasive, with dense bright yellow inflorescences with peduncles of the same shade. Ideal for borders, flowerbeds and cut flowers.
Solidago nemoralis (Old-field): de low-slung and somewhat cylindrical appearance, perfect for small spaces and combinations with grasses.
Solidago flexicaulis (Zigzag): stands out for the zigzag line from its stems and leaves. Good option for semi-shadow.
Solidago sempervirens (Seaside): tolerate saline spray and coastal soils; variable height, from 30 cm to more than 2 m, depending on conditions.
Solidago bicolor (White goldenrod): unique for its whitish flowers instead of yellow; it provides light contrast.
Solidago speciosa: similar to common goldenrod, but generally more low (up to ~90 cm) and with very showy spikes.
Ornamental uses, combinations and cut flowers
In the garden: Goldenrods are great for late blooms in flowerbeds and borders. Combine them with blue asters (Aster laevis 'Calliope' or Aster turbinellus), Cosmos, Crambe cordifolia y veronicas (Veronica Incana, V. longifolia) for a contrast of textures and colors.
On terraces and in pots: Its upright shape and the profusion of yellow flowers provide a colored spotlight Durable. Ensures spacious, well-draining containers.
Cut flower: The inflorescences keep well in a vase. Cut when one third of the chapters is open and change the water every 2-3 days. To dry off, cut the poles just before full deployment and hang them upside down in a dry, ventilated place.
In signature bouquets: in our designs such as Orange Hill y Sunset Boulevard, solidago provides luminosity and a texture feathery that highlights the main flowers without taking away their prominence.
Other traditional uses: Historically, in some regions they have been prepared aromatic decoctions and wines for digestive, astringent and diuretic purposes; if you explore these uses, always consult with a Sanitary professional.
Traditional properties and precautions
Urinary tract health: It has been traditionally used for its diuretic and antiseptic effects. There are also popular uses to support kidney function. These applications correspond to the traditional medicine and do not replace medical advice.
Skin care: leaves and flowers have been used in poultices to minor wounds or burnsIn aromatherapy, its essential oils They are applied diluted for muscular discomfort.
Colds and allergies: Its aroma is cited to relieve nasal congestion and its possible action antimicrobial in sore throats. A common myth attributes seasonal allergies to solidago; in reality, the main cause is usually ragweed, whose flowers go more unnoticed but release a lot of pollen.
Fungal infections: Herbal tradition has used it against mushrooms such as athlete's foot. If you decide to use it, do so with professional supervision, especially if you are taking medication or have pre-existing conditions.
Seasonal fertilizer: en spring and summer It is when the food demands the most for its intense floweringA universal fertilizer works well; simply increases the frequency in pots and in very poor soils, without overdoing it.
Multiplication and renewal: la spring division provides fast results. Removing lower leaves before dividing helps with rehydration from the new cuttings. Keep a separation of 40 cm between bushes so that they develop properly.
Optimal light according to climate: In areas of intense radiation and heat, solidago shows itself happier in semi-shade; if the summer is mild, you can place it at full sun and you will get denser ears.
Practical irrigation: when temperatures rise, with 3-4 waterings per week is usually enough; when they go down, every 3-4 days It's a good base. Always adjust it to your floor and exposure.
Frequently asked questions and common mistakes
Is it becoming invasive? Some wild species can be expansiveBut modern cultivars (like 'Strahlenkrone') have been selected not to invade. If in doubt, grow it in flower pot or use root barriers.
Why do my rods bend? It is usually due to excess fertilizer and lack of light. Reduces nitrogen, provides best exhibition and use tutors if there is wind.
Flowers with little color? Can be sun deficiency o very poor soil. Improves exposure and provides compost.
White spots on leaves? Slightly powdery mildewImprove ventilation, avoid wetting foliage at dusk, and remove affected leaves; treat if necessary.
Useful resources and links
Extended technical sheet: If you want to go deeper, you can review this external document: download PDF
The Colvinpedia: If you are interested in flowers and want to learn more about their properties and curiosities, don't miss the Colvinpedia.
Goldenrods fill any space with light and are easy to grow if you follow a few principles: adequate light depending on the climate, moderate watering with good drainage, prudent subscribers and surveillance of common pestsWith compact cultivars like 'Strahlenkrone', successful combinations with asters or speedwells, and proper pruning and propagation, you'll enjoy a vibrant flower bed, extraordinary cut flowers, and, if you wish, their traditional herbal uses with discretion and responsibility.
