Flower Library
Solidaster
x Solidaster · Asteraceae
Solidaster is a botanical rarity in everyday clothing: a true intergeneric cross between goldenrod and aster that has made it into every flower exchange as a product in its own right. Its dense plumes carry hundreds of tiny aster-like florets in pale yellow — softer and cooler than the rich gold of solidago. We buy it fresh year-round at the Veiling Rhein-Maas.
- Season
- Year-round
- Vase life
- 7–14 days
- Latin name
- x Solidaster
- Colors
- Light yellow, Canary yellow, Cream yellow
The x before the name is no typo but the botanical marker of an intergeneric hybrid. From its aster parent solidaster inherited the small, pale ray of petals around each floret, from goldenrod the densely branched plumes and its robust nature. The most important commercial variety for decades has been „Lemore“, with an especially even, light yellow.
In practice it is mainly the shade that separates solidaster from solidago: its yellow is lighter and creamier, which lets it combine with pastels where goldenrod's strong golden yellow would fail. Next to pink, lilac and white it looks friendly rather than loud.
Floristically it is a first-class filler: the plumes close gaps, give rounded bouquets a soft edge and bring light into dark colour schemes. It is as much at home in yellow-and-white sympathy work as in a summery market bouquet with sunflowers and gerberas.
When buying, the same rule applies as for goldenrod: choose plumes with mostly closed buds just turning colour. Fully open stock sheds sooner and drops fine yellow pollen dust onto furniture — a classic complaint that fresh buying avoids.
An underrated trait: solidaster dries decently and keeps a fair share of its colour. It is not the first choice for dried work, but leftover bunches need not go in the bin — hung upside down they still provide filler material for wreaths weeks later.
Is Solidaster toxic to children and pets?
- Children
- Non-toxic
- Cats
- Non-toxic
- Dogs
- Non-toxic
Like goldenrod and aster, solidaster is considered non-toxic to cats, dogs and children. As with all cut flowers, eating larger amounts is still not advised.
Overview: toxic & non-toxic plants for cats, dogs and children
Care
- 01Cut the stems at an angle and place them in plenty of fresh water — solidaster drinks a lot.
- 02Remove the lower leaves so no foliage rots in the water.
- 03Check the water level daily and top up generously.
- 04Change the water completely every two to three days and add flower food.
- 05Keep out of harsh sun and away from the fruit bowl.
- 06Cut out spent, shedding parts of the plume — the rest keeps flowering.
Frequently asked
- What is the difference between solidaster and solidago?
- Solidago is pure goldenrod with tiny, entirely yellow florets in a strong golden tone. Solidaster is its cross with an aster: the florets are slightly larger, carry a pale ray of petals, and the yellow is noticeably lighter and creamier. Both are worked the same way, but they serve different colour palettes.
- How long does solidaster last in the vase?
- With good care, seven to fourteen days. Like goldenrod it is very thirsty — check the water level daily and refresh every two days to get the full vase life.
- Is solidaster toxic to cats or dogs?
- No, like its parent plants goldenrod and aster, solidaster is considered non-toxic to cats, dogs and people. Eating larger amounts can at most upset the stomach.
- When is solidaster in season?
- Its natural flowering time is summer, but thanks to Dutch greenhouse production solidaster is available practically year-round via the auction, with pleasingly consistent quality.