Goldkind

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Asteraceae or Compositae

Order

Asterales

Genus

Solidago

Species

canadensis

Description

A perennial rhizomatous herbaceous plant that enters into vegetative rest during the winter period. The ornamental value is conferred by the long stems bearing dense inflorescences consisting of flower heads with bright yellow colour tones that bring a note of colour and sinuosity to gardens and terraces from late spring to early autumn, also in composition with other species.

Variety description

Perennial plant suitable for borders and rock gardens, but also in marshy areas. It is very hardy and has a very striking flowering of an intense yellow colour throughout the summer.

Curiosities and special features

Some varieties of Solidago canadensis, in addition to their importance as herbaceous plants for outdoor ornamental use, are particularly popular for use as cut flowers due to their long stems and copious, long-lasting inflorescences.

Origin and distribution

The wild species is native to the North American continent, particularly Canada, as evidenced by the specific epithet canadensis; it arrived in the botanical gardens of England in the 17th century, then naturalised in most of Europe from the 1800s onwards.

Flower size

The flower is individually small, giving elegance to the inflorescence in which it is grouped.

Leaf

The leaves have an elongated lamina, often pubescent on the underside.

Flowering period

Flowering lasts from late spring to early autumn for a duration of 90 to 120 days, bringing brightness and movement to your outdoor green spaces for a long time.

Inflorescence

Spiky inflorescence accentuating visual strength in flowerbeds or ponds.

Leaf colour

A solid colour, in perfect chromatic harmony with the bright colour tone of the inflorescences.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 0.6 to 0.8 m, making it perfect for mixed compositions with other herbaceous perennials in flowerbeds, creating highly landscaped views.

Lifespan

A herbaceous perennial, during the autumn-winter period it sheds its aerial part to revegetate the following spring.

Where to plant

Versatile in use, it is suitable as a plant for flowerbeds, planters, rock gardens, outdoor tubs

Stem

The stems are herbaceous and tomentose at the ends; the variety has no spines.

Flower

The flower has a simple, small form with a funnel-shaped corolla and plain petals. It is arranged in large spike-like inflorescences. It flowers from late spring to early autumn, with a flowering period of between 90 and 120 days. It has bitter notes and is unscented, with a fruity aroma. It is attractive to bees, butterflies and bumblebees.

Growth

Medium-vigorous Growth plant.

Plant habit

The upright habitus highlights and reinforces the decorative impact of the shiny inflorescences.

Branching

It develops Medium branching.

PH

It prefers a slightly acidic soil or substrate pH, with optimum values between 6.0 and 6.5.

Soil preparation

Before spring transplanting, carry out 20/30 cm deep digging, removing any weeds, bulky stones and residues of previous crops. Continue by burying slow-release organic or chemical fertiliser and break up the more compact clods with the help of a hoe to improve fertiliser distribution as well. Should the soil be compact and not very draining, it is suggested to evenly bury sand, then carefully level by preparing the planting holes according to a suitable density.

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Sun exposure

For proper vegetative development followed by luxuriant flowering, choose exposures in half shade, full sun, sheltered from intense wind.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 15 and 22 °C during the growing season. The vital temperature is between -8 and 35 °C

Use

For its shiny, yellow inflorescences, it is particularly popular in:

Outdoor ornamental For cut flowers, for cut foliage

Hardiness

Variety of medium-high hardiness; adapts to different soil types and tolerates hot summer weather.

Soil

For Solidago canadensis, the ideal soil for proper root development is medium-textured, fresh, deep and well-draining; for cultivation in planters and tubs, use a specific substrate for spring-flowering plants, based on peat and perlite.

Difficulty

Varieties whose cultivation is easy with an overall low level of management effort.

Growing tips

For best results in vegetative growth and flowering perform a

balanced fertilisation

Combinations with other plants

Interesting plant for use in mixed beds with other ornamental grasses such as Aquilegia, Astilbe, Cineraria maritima and Echinacea. Apply a correct planting pattern in relation to the habit and height attained by each individual plant to ensure correct development of each plant.

Planting

Apply an average planting density in the bed of 8 plants per square metre in order to ensure proper vegetative development of each specimen, thus obtaining formally proportioned and abundantly flowering compositions. We also suggest positioning the seedlings with the collar outside the soil surface, avoiding over-compressing the root ball and watering immediately after planting.

Propagation

Propagation is mainly by cutting.

Watering

Using rainwater, alternatively from the aqueduct or canal, carry out balanced localised watering at the foot of the plant. It is advisable to check the soil before watering, keeping it slightly moist but free of waterlogging.

Fertilising

During soil preparation, carry out a background fertilisation by burying organic or slow-release chemical fertiliser. From the end of spring to the end of autumn, following proper post-transplant settlement, regularly apply a balanced fertiliser suitable for ornamental species to the soil or substrate at the foot of the plant, to be distributed in liquid form, i.e. diluted in the irrigation water, without exceeding the frequency and doses applied

Edibility for humans

Non-edible Species.

Tip

Strong sunshine in conjunction with a windy period could dehydrate the leaf tips.