Goldenrods With Soft Yellow and White Blooms
It’s most common for goldenrods (Solidago spp. and hybrids) to bloom in what we gardeners call “gold”: a bright, highway-line yellow that’s so welcome among the other rich colors in the later part of the growing season. If that’s a little too strong for your taste, though, you can find species and selections that bloom in softer shades of yellow, or even white. These less typical goldenrods offer a fresh take on a familiar late-season favorite while still bringing plenty of garden interest.
Read our complete Goldenrod Growing Guide in the Fall issue of Garden Gate magazine! Get your copy here.
Little Lemon goldenrod
Little Lemon (‘Dansolitlem’), above, is a compact hybrid that’s a good choice if you love goldenrods but don’t have room for a large, spreading plant. Its lemon-colored flowers gradually fade to pale yellow as they age, creating a softer look than the bright gold blooms you might expect. Try it near other late-season perennials for a gentle splash of color that won’t overwhelm its neighbors.
‘Sugar Kisses’ goldenrod
‘Sugar Kisses’ offers another twist on traditional goldenrod color. Its soft yellow buds open into white blooms, giving the plant a delicate, two-tone effect as the flowers develop. It’s a lovely option if you want to brighten up the garden with something a little unexpected.
Silverrod
For a completely different look, consider silverrod (Solidago bicolor), an Eastern U.S. native with white flowers and a very upright growth habit. Its slender profile makes it a natural fit for adding vertical interest to a perennial border without taking up too much space.
Upland white goldenrod
Upland white goldenrod (Solidago ptarmicoides) has white flowers, too, but its branching habit gives it a looser appearance that looks more like an aster than a typical goldenrod. Native mostly to the Central United States, it’s another option for gardeners who want to explore the muted side of this late-season bloomer.
Goldenrod plant sources
- Prairie Moon Nursery; prairiemoon.com; 866-417-8156
- High Country Gardens; highcountrygardens.com; 801-769-0300
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