The Pollinator-Favorite Flower That'll Add A Gorgeous Autumn Glow To Your Garden

Are you looking for a plant that provides colorful autumn blooms and supports pollinators when food sources are dwindling? Goldenrod (Solidago spp) could be your answer as it is one of the gorgeous perennials to grow in your garden for an autumn bloom. At a time when many plants in your landscape are fading, goldenrod brings a pop of brilliant yellow to your garden. Because the flower is often confused with ragweed, it has been accused of aggravating hay-fever allergies, but that is not accurate because its pollen is too heavy to be airborne.

As much as you will love having goldenrod in your garden, chances are pollinators will love this pollen-rich flower even more. It stands out among the end-of-summer plants that'll keep your garden full of pollinators through fall. Bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects flock to goldenrod, attracted to its bright color. Pollen, nectar, and seeds are on the goldenrod menu, supporting hummingbirds, wasps, beetles, moths, and more. In fact, it nurtures 115 species of butterflies and moths, more than any other perennial forb. It is also a vital food source for honeybees, especially in drought-stricken areas. In addition, goldenrod provides habitat for pollinators, as well as a resting spot along their journey. In some regions, goldenrod is considered a "keystone plant," for its critical role is supporting wildlife.

Goldenrod is not a fussy flower and it makes few demands on the gardener. It can grow in poor and clay soil, and is both drought-resistant and deer-resistant. Goldenrod is minimally susceptible to pest and disease issues. It develops from both seeds and rhizomatous roots. The 100-plus species of goldenrod range in height from 1 to 4 feet tall and they typically bloom between mid-summer and October. You can even deadhead them to keep the blooms coming. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and moist to dry soil. It can spread slowly or rapidly depending on its type, therefore it may need dividing.

For the artistic types, goldenrod dries easily. As the season winds down, consider preserving its beauty by adding it to your floral arrangements. Whether in your décor or garden, you cannot go wrong with a vibrant yellow flower that burnishes the landscape against the backdrop of colorful autumn leaves — while also supporting pollinators.