Rough goldenrod Solidago rugosa 'Fireworks'

👤 Non-toxic to humans

🐾 Non-toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

Solidago rugosa 'Fireworks' is commonly known as Rough Goldenrod 'Fireworks'. Its appearance is characterized by a profusion of bright yellow, fine-textured flower plumes that arch outward and downward, resembling a spray of fireworks. The foliage of 'Fireworks' is a deep green with coarsely toothed edges, and the leaves are elongated with prominent veining. The stems are sturdy and upright, giving the plant a bushy, full look. The flowers form in late summer to early fall and are made up of tiny yellow blossoms clustered along the arching branches. These blossoms attract a variety of pollinators and add a vibrant splash of color to the landscape.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Asteraceae.
- Synonyms
  Wrinkleleaf Goldenrod, Fireworks Rough-stemmed Goldenrod, Fireworks Goldenrod.
- Common names
  Solidago rugosa.
Toxicity
- To humans
  Rough goldenrod is generally not considered toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning from ingesting this plant. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities may exist, and it's generally advisable not to consume parts of plants that are not typically regarded as food, as they could cause stomach upset or other issues in sensitive individuals.
- To pets
  Rough goldenrod is not known to be toxic to pets either. It is not listed among the commonly recognized poisonous plants for pets such as dogs and cats. However, ingestion of non-food plants can sometimes lead to gastrointestinal upset in animals, resulting in symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea. If an animal shows signs of distress after consuming any plant, it is wise to consult a veterinarian.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Deciduous
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Yellow
- Height
  3-4 feet (0.91-1.22 meters)
- Spread
  2-3 feet (0.61-0.91 meters)
- Plant type
  Herb
- Hardiness zones
  4-9
- Native area
  North America

Benefits

General Benefits
- Attracts Pollinators: Solidago rugosa 'Fireworks' is favored by bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, providing a valuable nectar source.
- Easy to Grow: This variety of goldenrod is known for being hardy and adaptable to a variety of soil conditions, making it easy for gardeners of all levels to grow.
- Drought Resistant: Once established, 'Fireworks' can tolerate periods of drought, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Long Blooming Period: It offers a long blooming period, typically from late summer into autumn, providing prolonged garden interest.
- Allergy-Friendly: Unlike some other goldenrods, 'Fireworks' is not a significant allergen, as its pollen is not wind-dispersed.
- Supports Biodiversity: By providing habitat and food for wildlife, it helps maintain local biodiversity.
- Landscape Design: With its showy, arching flower sprays, 'Fireworks' is ideal for adding visual impact in borders, meadows, and naturalized areas.
- Low Maintenance: It requires minimal care once established, with no need for regular fertilizer or pruning.
- Erosion Control: The plant's root system helps to stabilize soil and reduce erosion, especially on slopes or in wild garden settings.
- Native Planting: As a native plant, it supports local ecosystems and is a responsible choice for ecological gardening practices.
Medical Properties
- Antioxidant properties: Extracts from Solidago species have been found to exhibit antioxidant activities, which could be beneficial for counteracting oxidative stress.
- Anti-inflammatory: Traditionally, Solidago spp. have been used for their anti-inflammatory effects, which could help with conditions involving inflammation.
- Diuretic effect: Some Solidago species are known to have diuretic properties and have historically been used to promote the production of urine.
- Kidney health: Solidago has been traditionally used to support kidney function and urinary tract health.
However, it's important to note that while these properties are associated with the general genus Solidago, specific scientific evidence supporting the medicinal use of Solidago rugosa 'Fireworks' may be limited or not well-documented in the available scientific literature. Always consult with a healthcare provider before using any plant-based treatment.
Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
- Dye Production: Solidago, commonly known as goldenrod, can be used to produce a natural dye, offering shades of yellow, green, and gold depending on the mordant used.
- Educational Tool: Goldenrod can be a useful plant for educational purposes, teaching students about pollination, plant biology, and the role of native plants in ecosystems.
- Craft Material: The dried flowers and stems of goldenrod can be used in crafting, such as in floral arrangements or wreath making.
- Garden Design: Goldenrod can serve as a striking focal point in garden designs, particularly in wildflower or cottage gardens.
- Photography Subject: With its bright yellow blossoms, goldenrod can provide an attractive subject for nature photographers, especially in autumn.
- Soil Improvement: Goldenrods are known to help break up compacted soil with their deep roots, potentially improving soil aeration and structure.
- Erosion Control: Planting goldenrod can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion due to its robust root system.
- Wildlife Habitat: Goldenrod provides food and habitat for a range of wildlife, including butterflies, bees, and birds, thereby enhancing biodiversity.
- Fall Interest: As a late bloomer, goldenrod extends the season of interest in a garden, providing color and vibrancy when many other plants have finished blooming.
- Culinary Garnish: Though not known for its culinary uses, goldenrod flowers can be used as a decorative and edible garnish for salads and desserts.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
The Goldenrod is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Goldenrod is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Healing: Solidago, commonly known as Goldenrod, is often associated with healing due to its traditional use in herbal medicine to treat various ailments.
- Good Fortune: Goldenrod symbolizes good fortune, and in some cultures, it is believed to bring luck and prosperity.
- Encouragement: The vibrant yellow color of Goldenrod represents encouragement, enthusiasm, and support, making it an uplifting symbol.
- Protection: In folkloric traditions, Goldenrod has been used as a charm for protection against harm and negative energies.
- Growth and Vitality: As a hardy plant that flourishes in various conditions, Goldenrod signifies growth, vitality, and resilience.

💧

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

60%

Humidity

🪴

Not needed

Repotting

🌱️

Late summer to fall

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
The Rough Goldenrod or 'Fireworks' prefers evenly moist soil, so it’s essential to water regularly, but avoid overwatering. Generally, watering this perennial once a week with approximately one to one and a half gallons of water suffices, depending on the existing soil moisture and weather conditions; during prolonged dry spells or extreme heat, you may need to increase the frequency. Always check the top couple of inches of soil for dryness before adding water to prevent saturating the soil. Overhead watering in the morning is advisable so that the foliage has time to dry out during the day, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.
Light
Rough Goldenrod thrives best in full sun conditions, which means it requires at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. An ideal spot would be in an open area that receives uninterrupted sunlight for most of the day. However, it can also tolerate partial shade, particularly in hot climates where some respite from the afternoon sun can prevent scorching.
Temperature
Rough Goldenrod is tolerant of a wide range of temperatures and can survive minimum winter temperatures down to about -30°F. The ideal growing temperatures for this plant are between 60°F to 75°F, though it can withstand higher temperatures as long as the soil moisture is adequate. During extreme heat, additional watering may be necessary to keep the plant healthy.
Pruning
Pruning Rough Goldenrod is mostly for aesthetic purposes and to maintain its shape. Prune back in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Deadheading spent flowers during the growing season can promote additional blooming and prevent self-seeding if desired. An overall trim after flowering can help maintain its 'Fireworks' appearance.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
Rough-stemmed goldenrod, or Solidago rugosa 'Fireworks', thrives in well-draining soil with a good amount of organic matter. A mixture of loam, peat, and sand with a pH between 5.5 and 7.0 will ensure optimal growth. Regularly amending the soil with compost will enrich its quality and benefit the plant's health.
Repotting
Rough-stemmed goldenrod generally does not require frequent repotting as it is a perennial that is often grown outdoors. If grown in containers, repot every 2-3 years or when it has outgrown its current pot to prevent root crowding and to replenish soil nutrients.
Humidity & Misting
Rough-stemmed goldenrod is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does not have specific humidity requirements. It typically grows well in the ambient outdoor humidity of its native environment and does not necessitate additional humidity when grown indoors.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Place in a bright spot, water moderately.
- Outdoor
  Full sun to part shade, moist, well-drained soil.
- Hardiness zone
  4-9 USDA
Life cycle
Solidago rugosa 'Fireworks', commonly known as rough goldenrod 'Fireworks', begins its life cycle as a seed, which germinates in the spring when soil temperatures warm. The germinated seed grows into a seedling and develops a rosette of leaves at the soil surface, followed by the formation of a deep and extensive root system. As the plant matures, it produces tall, erect stems and lance-shaped leaves, followed by a spectacular display of bright yellow, feathery flower panicles that resemble fireworks in late summer to fall. After pollination, typically by insects such as bees and butterflies, the plant produces seeds that are dispersed by wind, ensuring the next generation of plants. In winter, the above-ground parts of the 'Fireworks' goldenrod die back while the root system remains dormant until the next spring. The plant can also spread vegetatively through its rhizomes, creating a clump-forming growth habit which enlarges its presence in the garden each year.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Late summer to fall
- Solidago rugosa 'Fireworks', commonly known as Rough Goldenrod or Fireworks Goldenrod, can be effectively propagated through division in the early spring or fall. The most popular method for propagating this plant is by dividing the root clumps. This involves carefully digging up an established plant and gently separating it into several smaller sections, ensuring that each new section has a part of the root system and several shoots. The divisions are then planted at the same depth they were originally growing and watered thoroughly. This method enables the gardener to produce new plants that are genetically identical to the parent plant, which will preserve the 'Fireworks' cultivar's distinctive characteristics. It is recommended to space the divisions about 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 centimeters) apart to give each new plant room to grow.