Solidago rigida ssp. humilis 'Golden Rockets' - Golden Rockets Stiff Goldenrod

A compact, basal mound forming variety, featuring dense, rounded umbels of tiny, bright yellow flowers at the ends of very upright, stiff stems; long-blooming from late summer to fall, and a great cut flower; salt tolerant

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

Ornamental features

Golden Rockets Goldenrod has masses of beautiful clusters of gold flowers with yellow overtones at the ends of the stems from late summer to mid fall, which emerge from distinctive creamy white flower buds, and which are most effective when planted in groupings. The flowers are excellent for cutting. Its narrow leaves remain grayish green in color throughout the season.

Landscape

Golden Rockets Goldenrod is an 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 bees and 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, Naturalizing And Woodland Gardens, Container Planting.

Planting and growing

Golden Rockets Goldenrod will grow to be about 18 inches tall at maturity extending to 24 inches tall with the flowers, with a spread of 18 inches. When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 15 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 dry locations, and dislikes excessive moisture. 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.