rough goldenrod ‘Fireworks’
Solidago rugosa ‘Fireworks’ (rough goldenrod) is interplanted with Sanguisorba officinalis ‘Red Thunder’ (burnet) in the Dark Plate. This perennial Asteraceae forms clumps of erect bright yellow flower heads that not surprisingly look like fireworks with their spiky appearance.
The tiny flowers of this hardy goldenrod bloom for 2 weeks in the fall, and are carried on stiff stems that are 100 cm long (36 inches) and bear alternately arranged leaves. Preferring full sun and dry soil but tolerant of wet soils, Solidago rugosa ‘Fireworks’ is hardy to zones 3-8. It will grow up to 120 cm (4 feet) tall and provides important nectar for pollinators such as the monarch butterfly in the fall.
Solidago rugosa is native to North America from Canada to Florida, through Texas and north to Wisconsin. Mistaken for causing fall allergies, this plant is actually not the culprit that ragweed (Ambrosia artemisifolia) has been proven to be. Designers will use this lovely flower in borders and meadows. It pairs nicely with grasses such as Schizachyrium scoparium and Symphotrichum oblongifolium (aromatic aster). Garden maintainers can cut back the spent flowers to encourage a rebloom. Flower arrangers use Solidago ‘Fireworks’ in vases and bouquets paired with deep red or purple focal flowers.
| Botanical Name | Solidago rugosa ‘Fireworks’ |
| Common Name | rough goldenrod ‘Fireworks’ |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| USDA Zone | 4 thru 8 |
| Light Requirement | Full Sun |
| Season(s) of interest | summer, fall, winter |
| Height and Spread | 2.5-3ft x 2.5-3ft (75-90cm x 75-90cm) |
| Flower Color | Yellow |
| Attracts Wildlife | Provides Food for Birds, Hosts Caterpillars of Butterflies/Moths, Attracts Pollinators, Rarely Browsed by Mammalian Herbivores |
| Additional Information | Cultivated Form of a Native Plant. Native range of S. rugosa: Newfoundland to Ontario and Michigan, south to Texas and east to Florida. |
| Location in Lurie Garden | North Dark Plate, Southwest Dark Plate |
Average Flowering Time
