A great bloomer from September through October, goldenrod brightens the garden with radiant gold flowers. This specimen was photographed in the University of Tennessee Gardens in Knoxville by Susan Hamilton, gardens director. >>>download photo
	September Gardening Tip
	Experts from the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture recommend performing the following chores as you prepare for autumn. >>>read the article

by Dr. Susan Hamilton

If you think that September can be a dull time in the garden, with not many plants flowering, well Solidago can make you think differently. Goldenrod, as this native perennial is commonly called, is one of the best, late-flowering perennials for enlivening any garden. A great bloomer from September through October, goldenrod brightens the garden with radiant gold flowers.

Goldenrod is a member of the aster family, which includes about 100 species of North American wildflowers and more than a dozen species native to South America, Europe and Asia. The native species generally grow 36 inches to 48 inches tall and have a wispy habit. Flowers are borne in dense, plume-like panicles on the ends of stiff stems, which make them attractive as cut flowers.

Solidago flowers also attract bees and butterflies. The plants can tolerate dry, poor soils, but they perform best in a moist, well-drained soil. Dividing plants every three to five years will encourage profuse blooming and prevent lodging (plants splitting and falling over when heavy with bloom).

Though goldenrod is a native plant, outstanding hybrids have been bred with superior characteristics. The cultivar "Fireworks" grows three to four feet tall and has strong sturdy stems that prevent lodging. It produces a profusion of flowers. "Baby Gold" and "Crown of Rays" are both compact varieties that grow to 24 inches. Their blooming season is particularly long, lasting from mid-summer through the fall.

Goldenrod is often unfairly accused of causing hay fever; however, the main culprit for the onslaught of sneezing and watery eyes that afflicts millions of us each autumn is an entirely different plant - ragweed.

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Submitted by Dr. Susan Hamilton, associate professor of plant sciences and director of the UT Gardens. The UT Gardens are located on Neyland Drive in Knoxville. They are free and open to the public seven days a week during daylight hours.