The plants in my garden have all bloomed way ahead of schedule this year. Now even my fall-blooming perennials have gotten into the act. Some of my mums are already flowering and most of my sedums will pop any day now. My goldenrod has been putting on a little fireworks display since the beginning of July.
Goldenrod is very easy to grow and attracts beneficial insects to your garden. The plants are drought tolerant and shrug off heat and humidity.
One of my favorite cultivars is the compact ‘Golden Baby’ which grows 2 feet tall and wide. The plants are sturdy and grow in a nice clump. I’ve had my plant for over five years now, and I still haven’t had to divide it.
If you want a fiery look in your flowerbeds you can plant goldenrod with orange or red flowers. Or you can temper the warmth by combining it with cool purples like Salvia ‘May Night’:
