Description and characteristics of hybrid goldenrod, planting and care

A perennial plant from the Astrov family, known as hybrid goldenrod, has become the progenitor of many new varieties and species. Another name for him is solidago. Its lush yellow flowers decorate the site for a long period, but in some countries goldenrod is considered a weed. Before planting any of the plant varieties on the site, study the crop's requirements for cultivation and care.

General description of the plant

In nature, the plant is found in America, Asia, Central Russia and Western Europe. Meadows, forest edges, fields - any open area, favorite places for solidago to grow. In total, about 120 species of goldenrod are known today, but only 20 are used in cultural gardening. They differ in the type of root system, shape of the crown and inflorescences. The height of the plant depends on the variety and ranges from 30 to 200 cm.

Solidago leaves are characterized by an ovoid elongated shape. The flowers are yellow, appear on goldenrod in early summer and last until autumn. After flowering ends, a fruit is formed in place of the buds, which looks like a pubescent ribbed achene.

Varieties and types of goldenrod

Among the variety of species and varieties of solidago, there are several that are especially popular among gardeners and landscape designers:

• Common goldenrod. The shoots of the plant are straight or branched, growing to a maximum of 2 meters. The inflorescences are complex and can be paniculate, racemose or spike-shaped.
• Daursky. This is a bush that grows up to a meter in height. Its homeland is Siberia. The shoots are simple, powerful, branching is observed only in the inflorescence. Short hairs cover the upper part of the stem, the lower part is completely bare. The inflorescences of Daurian goldenrod are racemose or paniculate in shape and consist of yellow-colored baskets.

Among the varieties of hybrid goldenrod, gardeners value the following:

• Fruegold. Grows up to 120 cm. The yellow inflorescences measure 25 cm.
• Goldstrahl. The bush does not exceed a meter in height.The inflorescences are panicle-shaped and consist of yellow-colored baskets.
• Spätgold. Lemon-yellow baskets decorate a meter-high bush. Their length is about 20 cm.
• Goldking. One of the tallest varieties reaches 1.5 meters. Its decoration is rich yellow panicle-shaped inflorescences. Their length does not exceed 35 cm.

Subtleties of growing ornamental crops

The advantage of the culture is that it reacts equally positively to both sunny and shady areas. Gardeners practically do not encounter any problems when growing goldenrod.

Location

When choosing a location for growing solidago, take into account that the plant is aggressive and instantly fills the entire area, so it is necessary to control self-seeding. Solidago does not have any requirements for the choice of soil. Both heavy clay soils and light fertile soils are suitable for growing. Whether the area is in the sun or in the shade all day, this will not affect the growth of the plant in any way.

Preparation of planting material

Most often, seedlings for planting are purchased from a specialized gardening store or cuttings are prepared independently. No special preparation is required before planting; for better rooting, the cut or roots are treated with a growth stimulator.

Timing and planting process

Hybrid goldenrod can be planted in open ground both in mid-spring and early autumn. The step-by-step algorithm consists of the following stages:

1. The soil in the selected area is dug up and humus is added to it.
2. A separate hole is made for each seedling. In this matter, they focus on the size of the root system.
3. Any mineral complex is added to each well.
4. Gently spread the goldenrod roots along the bottom of the hole and sprinkle with soil, pressing down lightly.
5. After planting, moisten the plant abundantly.

Tips for caring for goldenrod

The golden rod, as the plant is also called, does not take much time and effort from the gardener and is content with simple care and preventive procedures.

Watering

In those years when there is sufficient natural precipitation, hybrid goldenrod does not need additional moisture. But if the weather is hot for a long time and there is no rain, water the plant abundantly. Too dry soil causes powdery mildew to develop.

Fertilizer

The application of fertilizing compounds is recommended only in cases where the soil on the site is poor and depleted. This will trigger more abundant goldenrod flowering. Both mineral and organic formulations are suitable. It is also recommended to occasionally sprinkle the soil with wood ash - this is an effective prevention of powdery mildew. Fertilizers are applied twice during the active growing season - in spring and autumn.

Garter and transplant

Low-growing varieties of plants do not need a garter, but for tall ones it is recommended to build supports.

It is necessary to move goldenrod bushes to a new location no more than once every 6-7 years. Replanting too often will only harm the plant.

Trimming

In spring, the shrub does not need such a procedure. Pruning is carried out only when preparing goldenrod for winter. At the end of autumn, before the first frosts hit, all branches are cut off so that only a 10-centimeter stump remains above the ground. But the crop does not need shelter at all for the winter period.Hybrid goldenrod is characterized by increased frost resistance and easily tolerates this time even in northern regions.

Ways to combat diseases and pests

The main disease that harms goldenrod shrubs is powdery mildew, which is fungal in origin. In this case, a whitish coating appears on the above-ground parts of the plant. The cause is severe drought, too densely located bushes and excess nitrogen component in the soil. In this case it helps treatment with copper sulfate or any fungicidal preparation.

Rust also sometimes appears on the leaves.

The disease cannot be treated, so infected plants are removed from the site, and healthy ones are sprayed with Bordeaux mixture.

Among the pests, goldenrod is sometimes attacked by a caterpillar, which causes the leaf blades to curl. If you do not plan to use the plant for medical purposes, it is sprayed with any insecticide, otherwise only folk remedies for controlling insects are acceptable.

Flower propagation methods

There are several ways to grow a flower on your property.

Seeds

Since the seeds of the plant do not remain viable for long, this method is extremely rarely used by gardeners.

Dividing the bush

It is much easier and more effective to use bush division to propagate a plant. To do this, select an adult specimen that is at least 4 years old. Sprinkle the soil generously with water and carefully remove the plant from it. Divide it into several parts (depending on the size of the root system) and plant it in pre-prepared holes.

Rooting cuttings

The method for rooting cuttings is no less effective. It guarantees almost 100 percent survival rate of the plant.As soon as buds appear on the bush, they begin to harvest the material. For this, only fully formed shoots are selected. They are separated only with a “heel”. They are simply buried in the garden bed, and after a short period of time they will take root.

Examples of application in landscape design

The perennial plant looks equally impressive in both single and group plantings. Due to its golden appearance, it is often used by landscapers. They choose mock orange, juniper, and spirea to accompany him. Goldenrod also looks attractive in combination with ornamental grasses in mixborders and gardens.

Medicinal properties of the plant

The decorative appearance is not the only advantage of goldenrod. It is also used in the creation of medicines. It has a diuretic effect, so it is often prescribed for the treatment of kidney and bladder diseases. Traditional medicine recommends the use of the plant for gout, stomach upsets, and urolithiasis.