Landscaping With Goldenrods

Goldenrods at Dawes Arboretum

Goldenrods (Solidago spp.) represent about 100 species of perennials that grow ubiquitously along U.S. roadsides, prairies, open woods, and riverbanks. (USDA hardiness zones 4-9). A small number of species are also native in South America and Eurasia. Goldenrods are grown for their bright yellow or golden flowers that form late in the summer. They are easy to grow, and the tiny yellow flowers are a bountiful source of nectar for bees and butterflies, including Monarchs; seeds are eaten by songbirds fall and winter.

Goldenrods grow in almost any soil that is well-drained and in full sun. Removing spent flower clusters will encourage more blooms. Deadhead the old spent flowers to avoid prolific self-seeding. Every 3-4 years, divide plants in spring or fall.

Showy goldenrod (Solidago speciosa) is an eye-catching selection with abundant tiny, bright yellow terminal flower clusters atop stiff, narrow-leaved, reddish stems; 2-3 feet tall starting in mid- to late-summer.

Wreath goldenrod (Solidago caesia), aka blue stem goldenrod grows 1.5- 3 feet tall on arching, glabrous, wiry, greenish-purple stems which are covered with a silvery-white waxy covering (zones 4-8). yellow clusters of tiny flowers  bloom along the purplish stem in early autumn. Lance-shaped, medium green leaves (2-5 inches long) are toothed with sharply pointed tips.

‘Fireworks’ rough-stemmed goldenrod (Solidago rugosa) is probably the most popular variety, 3-4 feet tall clump-forming plant is covered with stiff bright yellow inflorescences starting in early autumn, reminiscent of exploding fireworks. 

‘Golden Fleece’ goldenrod (S. sphacelata ‘Golden  Fleece’)  grows 18 – 24 inches tall and 24-36 inches wide forms showy sprays of golden yellow flowers starting in mid-September into October.. Its heart-shaped leaves are semi-evergreen.

Ultra-dwarf varieties:

·         Little Lemon® (‘Dansolitlem’) - light yellow flowers on ultra-compact (14 inches tall / 18 inches wide plants.

·         ‘Cloth of Gold’- deep yellow flowers on 18-24 inch tall stems.

·         ‘Crown of Rays’ - bright yellow flowers on 2-3 feet tall stems.

No serious insect or disease problems trouble goldenrods and are moderately deer tolerant. If summer weather is unusually wet or planting is too crowded, expect minor disease problems.

Fall Blooming Toad Lilies

Toad lilies at Chanticleer Garden, Wayne, PA

Toad lilies (Tricyrtis spp.) are native to moist woodlands in India, China and Japan. They are in the lily (Lilaceae) plant family (USDA hardiness zones 4-9). Toad lilies are attractive fall-blooming shade perennials. In mid- to late September, as most perennials are finishing flowering, toad lilies are starting out. 

Three species of toad lilies, T. hirta, T. formosana, and T. macropoda are currently very popular, along with several hybrid cultivars.  Depending on species, plants grow 1 ½ to 3 feet tall. Funnel shaped orchid-like flowers come in an array of spotted colors and may be star or bell shaped.

Its plant name - “toad lily” - refers to the speckled flower colors. Planted in an ideal site, toadlilies are long-lived and require little attention. Flowers arise in the axils of the leaves and held on arching stems. 

Toad lilies prefer partial to full shade and in moist humus-rich garden soil. Under ideal conditions plants need little or no fertilizing. Feed plants lightly 1-2 times during the summer with water soluble fertilizers such as Miracle-Gro™ or Jack’s™.  Plants should be protected from the wind particularly in the southern parts of the U.S. Mulching keeps the soil moist and suppresses weeds. 

Divide roots of the toad lilies in early spring, and space new plants 2-3 feet apart.

Toad lilies are mostly untroubled by disease or pest problems. Anthracnose leaf spotting may pop up in wet summers. If so, rake up all fallen leaves and discard in late winter. In shady garden areas deer prefer hostas first, but may later turn to toad lilies. 

Top cultivars:
T. formosana - abundant purple-and-white blooms attached to 36 – 40 inch stalks. 
T. hirta ‘Miyazaki’ hybrids - superior flowering and vigorous growth.
T. macropoda  cultivars - ‘Sinonome’
Hybrids: ‘Tojen’ - unspotted lavender flowers; 'Lightning Strike' with green /gold-streaked foliage.

Winter Hardy Camellias

pictured: 'April Remembered'

Growing camellias in the Southern Appalachian region (USDA zone 6-a) is no longer a dream. As many as 40 cultivars of winter hardy camellias to -15 °F are now available. Flower colors range from white, many shades from pink, and red. Hardy cultivars possess big bloom size, long flowering period (fall or spring), and lustrous evergreen foliage.

Start with these outstanding cultivars. For spring blooming, plant ‘Pink Icicle’ (pink semi-double), ‘April Tryst’ (dark red anemone) and ‘April Remembered’ (pink semi-double). Dependable in the fall garden are ‘Winter’s Star’ (pale pink single) and ‘Winter’s Interlude’ (pink anemone).

The culture of camellias is similar to azaleas, rhododendrons and hollies. Plant them on the east or north side of your home or nearby large shade trees, protected from direct summer sunlight and drying winter winds.

Add generous amounts of organic compost, leaf mold or sphagnum peat to maintain an acidic soil pH. Feed shrubs every two months in spring and summer, using either water-soluble Miracle Gro™ or Schultz™ brand fertilizer.

Established shrubs are very drought tolerant after two years, needing water when rainfall is very low. Camellias enjoy relief from most pest problems that plague them further south.