Also known as Goldenrod · 709 gardener saves
Solidago: the varieties gardeners actually grow
Solidago, the genus most gardeners know as goldenrod. We track 11 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 11 most-saved Solidago varieties
Of 11 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedFireworks Goldenrod
Solidago rugosa 'Fireworks'
#2 most savedBluestem Goldenrod
Solidago caesia
#3 most savedShowy Goldenrod
Solidago speciosa
Goldenrod Peter Pan
Solidago x hybrida 'Peter Pan'
Ohio Goldenrod
Solidago ohioensis
Golden Fleece Solidago Solidago Golden Fleece
Solidago sphacelata 'Golden Fleece'
Wrinkleleaf Goldenrod
Solidago rugosa
Drummond's Goldenrod
Solidago drummondii
Wand Goldenrod
Solidago stricta
Seaside Goldenrod
Solidago sempervirens
Stiff Goldenrod
Solidago rigida
How to grow Solidago
What the Solidago varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 11 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Solidago year
- DivideMarch, April and September100% of varieties
Divide clumps every 3-4 years to maintain vigor
- Spring CleanupFebruary and March82% of varieties
Cut back old, dead stems to the ground before new growth emerges
- PlantMarch, April, September and October36% 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 |
| Gall-making insects | Swollen, abnormal growths on stems or leaves. | These are generally harmless and do not affect plant health. Prune off and dispose of galls if they are unsightly. No chemical control is needed. |
| 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
Seed
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in spring
- Keep soil consistently moist for 6 weeks
- Thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding
Division
- Divide clumps in early spring or fall
- Replant divisions immediately
- Water thoroughly after planting
Solidago questions
How many types of Solidago are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 11 distinct Solidago varieties. The most popular — ranked by 709 real gardener saves — 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.
Keep exploring
Design with Solidago in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
