Solidago 'Golden Fleece' - Golden Fleece Goldenrod

Height: 18 inches. Sun: full sun to partial shade. Hardiness zone: 3a.

Ornamental features

Golden Fleece Goldenrod has masses of beautiful ray-like plumes of gold flowers at the ends of the stems from late summer to late fall, which are most effective when planted in groupings. Its narrow leaves remain dark green in color throughout the season.

Landscape

Golden Fleece Goldenrod is a dense herbaceous perennial with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its medium texture blends into the garden, but can always be balanced by a couple of finer or coarser plants for an effective composition.

This plant will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and is best cleaned up in early spring before it resumes active growth for the season. It is a good choice for attracting butterflies to your yard, but is not particularly attractive to deer who tend to leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

Recommended for: Mass Planting, Border Edging, General Garden Use, Container Planting.

Planting and growing

Golden Fleece Goldenrod will grow to be about 15 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 15 inches. When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 12 inches apart. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 10 years. As an herbaceous perennial, this plant will usually die back to the crown each winter, and will regrow from the base each spring. Be careful not to disturb the crown in late winter when it may not be readily seen!

This plant does best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This is a selection of a native North American species. It can be propagated by division; however, as a cultivated variety, be aware that it may be subject to certain restrictions or prohibitions on propagation.

Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder.