Solidago rugosa – Fireworks– A Stunning, Late-Season Goldenrod
Solidago rugosa – Fireworks is a compact, arching variety of rough goldenrod, prized for its graceful, cascading sprays of bright golden-yellow flowers that resemble bursting fireworks. This long-blooming, pollinator-friendly perennial thrives in moist soils and full sun, making it a standout in prairie gardens, meadow plantings, and pollinator habitats. Unlike some goldenrods, it is clump-forming and non-invasive, making it an easy-to-maintain garden addition.
Flowers: Bright golden-yellow flower clusters appear in delicate, arching sprays, resembling fireworks. Blooms from late summer to fall (August–October), providing valuable late-season nectar. Highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Height & Spread: Grows 3 to 4 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide. Forms a dense, clumping growth habit, unlike aggressive spreading goldenrod species.
Leaves: Deep green, lance-shaped leaves, with a slightly rough texture. Foliage remains attractive throughout the growing season.
Growth Habit: Clump-forming, non-invasive perennial, making it suitable for mixed plantings. Strong, upright stems arch outward, creating a fountain-like effect.
Roots & Rhizomes: Shallow, fibrous root system, allowing for easy division and transplanting. Unlike some goldenrod species, it does not aggressively spread by rhizomes.
Habitat & Range: A cultivar of Rough Goldenrod (Solidago rugosa), native to eastern North America. Thrives in meadows, open woodlands, and moist soils. Prefers full sun to partial shade, tolerating various soil conditions.
Wildlife Benefits: Major nectar source for monarch butterflies, bees, and late-season pollinators. Goldfinches and other birds feed on the seeds in fall and winter. Deer-resistant, due to its rough-textured foliage.
Not a Cause of Hay Fever: Despite common misconceptions, goldenrod does not cause allergies—its pollen is too heavy to be airborne. Ragweed, which blooms at the same time, is the real culprit for fall allergies.
Clump-Forming and Well-Behaved: Unlike aggressive spreading goldenrods, ‘Fireworks’ forms a neat, contained clump, making it ideal for gardens.
One of the Best Late-Season Pollinator Plants: Extends the nectar supply into fall, when few other plants are blooming.
Growing Solidago -‘Fireworks: Best for prairie gardens, pollinator habitats, and rain gardens. Thrives in full sun, preferring moist, well-drained soil but tolerating drier conditions. Highly drought-tolerant once established. Deadhead spent flowers for tidiness or leave seed heads for birds. Low-maintenance—cut back old growth in early spring for fresh new foliage.
