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Golden-yellow flower plumes of Canada goldenrod in late summer lightPerennials

Solidago canadensis

Canada Goldenrod

goldenrodautumn bloomerbee-friendlywildlife gardendrought-tolerant

Canada goldenrod is a robust perennial with plume-shaped, golden-yellow flower clusters that bloom from August to October. The plant spreads via rhizomes and forms impressive colonies. A valuable late-season nectar source for bees and butterflies.

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Before
After

Characteristics

Sun
Full sun
Water
Low
Height
80–150 cm
Spread
50–90 cm
Hardiness zone
3–8
Family
Asteraceae
Evergreen
No
Flower colors
yellow
Wildlife value
bees, butterflies, birds

Bloom period

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Care guide

Plant in full sun in virtually any soil type. Once established, the plant is highly drought-tolerant and requires little care. Control spreading by regularly removing root runners if the plant becomes too vigorous.

Pruning tips

Cut flower stems back to the ground after flowering, unless you wish to retain the seed heads as winter silhouettes. Remove remaining dead foliage in early spring.

Good companions

Pink-purple coneflower with orange-brown cone in a sunny borderPerennials

Echinacea purpurea

Purple Coneflower

Purple Coneflower is a sturdy perennial with distinctive pink-purple petals surrounding an orange-brown cone. The flowers appear from July to September and are a magnet for butterflies and bees. In autumn and winter, the seed heads attract goldfinches and other seed-eating birds.

Full sunLow60–120 cm
Golden-yellow Black-eyed Susan with dark brown center in a sunny borderPerennials

Rudbeckia fulgida

Black-eyed Susan

Black-eyed Susan blooms from July through October with radiant golden-yellow petals surrounding a dark brown center. The plant is virtually indestructible, spreads gradually, and suits large borders and prairie-style gardens. After flowering, the seed heads provide food for birds.

Full sunLow60–90 cm
Silvery-white plumes of Chinese Silver Grass swaying in autumn windOrnamental grasses

Miscanthus sinensis

Chinese Silver Grass

Chinese Silver Grass is a striking ornamental grass that adds structure to any garden with its tall plumes and gracefully arching leaves. Silvery-white plumes appear from August to October and catch the autumn and winter light beautifully. The dried grass remains attractive throughout winter.

Full sunMedium150–250 cm