Flower Library
Goldenrod
Solidago · Asteraceae
Solidago, known in German as goldenrod, is one of the most dependable filler flowers there is: fine, branching plumes of tiny golden-yellow florets that lend any bouquet lightness and summer warmth. It is affordable, robust and available all year. Because we buy our solidago in A1 grade straight from the Veiling Rhein-Maas auction, it arrives crisp with barely opened florets, which noticeably extends its vase life.
- Season
- Year-round
- Vase life
- 7–14 days
- Latin name
- Solidago
- Colors
- Golden yellow, Sunny yellow, Light yellow, Tinted green-yellow
Most stems on the market are sold as Solidago hybrids, bred from several goldenrod species for dense, even plumes and long stems. Alongside them is Solidaster, a cross between solidago and aster whose florets are slightly larger and carry a small whitish ray of petals. In floristry both are used almost interchangeably as goldenrod.
In floral work solidago is a classic filler and at the same time a fine line flower. It loosens up compact arrangements, closes the gaps between larger blooms and, with its warm yellow, instantly adds a sunny glow to the bouquet. We like to reach for it wherever an arrangement would otherwise feel too heavy and dense.
A mark of fresh stock is firm, upright plumes with mostly closed florets and rich green, non-drooping foliage. Fully opened, dusty plumes or browning stem ends signal ageing. Solidago is also a very thirsty cut, which has a direct bearing on its care.
Stylistically the warm yellow works beautifully in rustic, summery and autumnal bouquets. It pairs with sunflowers, dahlias, asters and gerbera, and makes a delicate contrast to blue and violet, for instance next to delphinium or thistles. Dried, solidago also holds its shape well and is popular for long-lasting arrangements.
Care
- 01Cut stems at an angle and place them in a clean vase with plenty of fresh water.
- 02Strip the lower leaves so no foliage sits in the water and rots.
- 03Solidago is very thirsty: check the water level daily and top up as needed.
- 04Change the water completely every two to three days and rinse the vase out.
- 05Use flower food and keep the vase out of direct sun and away from fruit.
- 06Faded plume tips can be trimmed off and the rest of the branching carries on.
Frequently asked
- How long does solidago last in the vase?
- With good care solidago usually lasts seven to fourteen days. The key is plenty of water, as goldenrod drinks a lot. Fresh A1 stock with florets still closed reaches the upper end of that range.
- Is solidago toxic to cats, dogs or children?
- Goldenrod is considered non-toxic to people as well as to dogs and cats, and is even used traditionally as a medicinal herb. Nibbling on the plant is still best avoided, as larger amounts can upset the stomach.
- When is solidago in season?
- As a garden perennial goldenrod mainly blooms from July to October. As a cut flower, however, thanks to Dutch and German cultivation it is available year-round through the auction, so we can offer it fresh all year.
- What is the difference between solidago and solidaster?
- Solidago is pure goldenrod with tiny, all-yellow florets. Solidaster is a cross between goldenrod and aster whose florets are a little larger and carry a small pale ray of petals. In floristry both are treated as goldenrod and used the same way.