Showy Goldenrod

Year-round

Showy goldenrod is a sturdy fall bloomer with upright stems and bright yellow flower clusters. Illinois is within its range, mostly the northern half, so Chicago is a reasonable fit, though the state level listing may not match every local spot.

• Give full to part sun
• Average to dry soil is best, avoid rich or soggy ground
• Water new plants weekly, then rarely
• Stems can flop with too much water or fertilizer

Stems are tall and can lean, so give it a back-of-bed spot away from the sidewalk.

Fall

Fall is bloom time, roughly August through October, and a good nectar stop for bees and butterflies.

• Enjoy the flowers and leave them for wildlife
• Cut off faded flower heads if you do not want self seeding
• Clean up mildewed leaves if they bother you
• Fall is also a good time to plant

Winter

The plant is dormant and cold hardy in Chicago winters.

• No watering needed
• Leave seed heads standing for winter interest
• Cut back in late winter
• Avoid piling salt near the base

Spring

Spring is for planting and setting up a strong clump.

• Plant after frost danger passes
• Water new plants weekly for the first season
• Skip fertilizer
• Divide large clumps if they get crowded

Summer

Summer is growing season. Established plants need little water.

• Water only in long dry spells
• Pinch stems in early June if you want a shorter plant
• Space for airflow
• Watch for powdery mildew on leaves late in summer

Year-round

Showy goldenrod is a tough perennial that tolerates clay soil and dry spells. Both sources list its range as reaching Georgia, though the Wildflower Center says the Georgia range is in the mountains.

• Full sun and good drainage suit it, and it tolerates clay and occasional drought.
• It grows 2 to 7 feet tall, so give it space of 3 to 6 feet.
• The Wildflower Center warns it can become aggressive in moist soils.
• Bees, butterflies and songbirds use it.

Cut it back neatly after bloom and plant it mid-bed or toward the back for an HOA-friendly look.

Fall

Fall is bloom season.

• Flowers open from August into October.
• Bees and butterflies visit the golden-yellow clusters.
• Removing spent flower clusters encourages more bloom, per NC State.

Winter

Winter needs almost nothing.

• Seed can be collected in October.
• Rust, powdery mildew and leaf spot may show up occasionally, so cleaning up old stems helps.

Spring

Spring is the time to plant or divide.

• Divide established clumps, which may need it every 2 years to control size.
• Plant in full sun.
• Space plants well apart.

Summer

Once settled, it needs little water.

• It is drought tolerant per NC State.
• Avoid constant moisture since moist soils can make it aggressive.
• Expect it to grow tall before bloom.

Year-round

Showy goldenrod is an easy, tall perennial that likes full sun and tolerates clay and dry spells. It blooms late in the season with golden yellow clusters.

• Give it 6 or more hours of direct sun and soil that drains well.
• It handles clay soil and drought once settled in.
• Plan for about 4 feet tall. Divide every 2 years or so if it gets too big.
• Rust, powdery mildew, and leaf spot can show up but serious problems are rare.

A tidy clump near the back of a bed reads as intentional. Deadhead and divide to keep it neat.

Fall

Fall is bloom time, with yellow flower clusters from August through October. Seed can be collected in October.

• Remove spent flower clusters to encourage more bloom.
• Collect seed in October if you want more plants.
• Fall is a good window to plant or divide while the soil is still warm.

Cutting spent flower heads keeps the clump looking tended and intentional.

Winter

The plant rests in winter and needs almost no care. Cold winters in Harrisburg, PA are not a concern for this perennial.

• No watering or feeding is needed while it is dormant.
• Mark the spot so you do not dig it up when planting nearby.
• Plan any division for spring, not midwinter.

Spring

Spring is a good window to divide clumps and tidy up. New growth starts as the weather warms in Harrisburg, PA.

• Divide crowded clumps in spring if they have outgrown their spot, about every 2 years.
• Seed can be started with a cold period beforehand, but it is not strictly needed.
• Water new plants regularly until they settle in.

Summer

Summer needs little work. Established plants handle heat and dry spells, so water only during long dry stretches.

• Established plants tolerate drought and clay soil, so skip frequent watering.
• Very wet soil can make it spread more, so avoid keeping it soggy.
• Watch for powdery mildew or leaf spot in humid weather.