White Goldenrod
solidago bicolor
Also known as: ["White Goldenrod","Bicolor Goldenrod"]
Overview
A herbaceous perennial native to North America, known for its bright white to pale yellow flower clusters.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","low maintenance"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Solidago |
| Botanical Name: | Solidago bicolor |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden bed or border in open, sunny areas
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: moderate
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–30–40°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter; tolerates poor soil.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering; lightly prune throughout growing season to remove dead or weak stems.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of the plant if overgrown.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day); tolerates partial shade but blooms less.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually if moving from shade to sun; protect from intense midday sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent mildew.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Full sun for best blooms; partial shade acceptable; rotate pots for even growth.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure good drainage; avoid wetting foliage.
Soil
well-drained, sandy loam with moderate organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; add organic matter; avoid heavy clay soils.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 3–8; tolerates cold winters; prefers moderate summer temperatures (65–75°F).
Mulch for winter; shade in summer; water deeply in heat.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize sparingly; stop before flowering; water before feeding.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and humid.
Best Time: Early spring or late summer when plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (70–75°F), high humidity (70–80%), indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat and perlite or cactus mix.
Hormone
Rooting hormone recommended for faster rooting.
Timeline
Roots in 2–4 weeks; establish in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain humidity with a plastic bag; keep out of direct sun.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Deadhead regularly; cut back stems to just above a leaf node or bud.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming; cut back after flowering to maintain shape and vigor.
Tools
Pruning shears, gloves, disinfectant.
Checklist
Clean tools; deadhead spent blooms; cut back after flowering; remove dead stems.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if needed; place in new pot with fresh soil; water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for container-grown plants.
Checklist
Choose new pot; prepare fresh soil; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting leaves.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; allow excess water to drain away; water early in the day to minimize evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or peat moss for fertility; mix in perlite or sand for drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting in heat; leaf drop or browning in cold; stunted growth in extreme conditions.
Cold Stress
Plants may become dormant but typically survive cold winters; prolonged frost can damage new growth.
Solution: Mulch heavily in fall; avoid watering before freezes; provide wind protection in exposed areas.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch or wilt; flowering may be reduced; growth slows.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; water deeply in morning; increase humidity around plant.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid late-season feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength; apply every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring to early summer); avoid fertilizing in late summer or fall.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal upset or allergic reactions if they ingest Solidago bicolor. The plant is not considered highly toxic, but caution is advised due to individual sensitivities.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Solidago bicolor can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. While not typically life-threatening, the plant may cause discomfort and allergic reactions in sensitive dogs.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicSolidago bicolor, commonly known as white goldenrod, contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress and allergic reactions in some individuals. The plant's effects are generally not severe but can be problematic for those with sensitivities.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Solidago bicolor toxic to pets?
A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: Does White Goldenrod attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it is a great attractant for bees, butterflies, and birds.
Q: How much maintenance does this plant require?
A: It requires very low maintenance and is quite tough once established.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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