Also known as Goldenrod · 791 saves
Solidago
Solidago, the genus most gardeners know as goldenrod. We track 12 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 12 most-saved Solidago varieties
3 species of Solidago
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Solidago in Sow
Save the Solidago you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Solidago
Whats common across all Solidago varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 12 most-grown of them.
The Solidago year
- DivideMarch, April and September100% of varieties
Divide clumps every 3-4 years to maintain vigor
- Spring CleanupFebruary and March75% of varieties
Cut back old, dead stems to the ground before new growth emerges
- PlantMarch, April, September and October33% of varieties
Plant containers or bare roots in early spring or fall
Do
- Water deeply during dry spells 🌱
- Divide clumps every 3-4 years to maintain vigor
- Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
- Prune back after flowering to maintain shape
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Avoid overwatering in winter ❌
- Overwater, which can cause root rot ❌
- Allow soil to become waterlogged
What goes wrong with Solidago
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Leaf Beetles | Chewed or skeletonized leaves. | Hand-pick beetles off plants. Encourage beneficial insects. In severe cases, insecticidal soap or pyrethrin can be used. |
| Powdery mildew | White powder on leaves | Apply organic fungicide and improve air circulation |
| Generally pest-free | No significant insect damage is typical | Monitor only; NCSU rates it resistant to deer, drought and erosion |
| Powdery mildew | White powder on leaves | Increase air circulation and apply fungicide if needed |
| Powdery Mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Apply sulfur fungicide or improve air circulation |
| Rust | Orange-brown powdery pustules on the undersides of leaves. | Provide good air circulation. Remove and destroy infected leaves. Generally not a serious problem for plant health. |
Making more Solidago
Division
- Divide clumps in early spring or fall
- Replant divisions immediately
- Water thoroughly after planting
Seed
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in spring
- Keep soil consistently moist for 6 weeks
- Thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding
Solidago questions
How many types of Solidago are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 12 distinct Solidago varieties. The most popular — ranked by 791 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Solidago grow in?
Across its varieties, Solidago covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Solidago bloom?
Most Solidago varieties bloom in late summer, late summer to fall. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Solidago should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.