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Solidago rugosa 'Fireworks'

Common Name(s):

Phonetic Spelling
so-li-DAY-go roo-GO-suh
Description

'Fireworks' is a cultivar of the native herbaceous perennial S. rugosa in the Asteraceae (daisy) family. Plants form a bushy, upright clump reaching 2 to 3 feet tall and wide of dark-green leaves and grow best in moist, well-drained soil, but are somewhat tolerant of dry and wet soils. 

In late summer the blooms appear along 18-inch arching stems held above the foliage to provide a stunning display of yellow flowers that resemble fireworks, hence the cultivar name.  These blooms are very attractive to various butterflies and bees. It pairs nicely with the blues and lavenders of asters or Joe-pye weed. 'Fireworks' is not aggressive and will not try to take over your garden as it spreads slowly by rhizomes. Divide every three to four years or as needed. Cut the plant down in early spring before it starts growing again.

Use in the border of a native or pollinator garden or naturalized meadow setting.  This plant is resistant to browsing by deer.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  No significant problems.

More information on Solidago rugosa.

Profile Video:
See this plant in the following landscapes:
Pollinator Garden in Full Sun Four-Season Garden Border Landscape Pinewild County Club, Moore County
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • Fireworks
Fireworks
Tags:
#showy flowers#full sun tolerant#rain garden#fall flowers#yellow flowers#native perennial#low maintenance#fall interest#beneficial insects#highly beneficial coastal plants#summer flowers#deer resistant#herbaceous perennial#native garden#border planting#pollinator plant#food source fall#clay soils tolerant#bird friendly#butterfly friendly#nectar plant midsummer#nectar plant late summer#nectar plant early fall#nectar plant mid-fall#HS302#wet soils intolerant#buncombe county sun and shade garden#meadow
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • Fireworks
Fireworks
Tags:
#showy flowers#full sun tolerant#rain garden#fall flowers#yellow flowers#native perennial#low maintenance#fall interest#beneficial insects#highly beneficial coastal plants#summer flowers#deer resistant#herbaceous perennial#native garden#border planting#pollinator plant#food source fall#clay soils tolerant#bird friendly#butterfly friendly#nectar plant midsummer#nectar plant late summer#nectar plant early fall#nectar plant mid-fall#HS302#wet soils intolerant#buncombe county sun and shade garden#meadow
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Solidago
    Species:
    rugosa
    Family:
    Asteraceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Division
    Wildlife Value:
    Attracts butterflies, bees, pollinators, and beneficial insects. Songbirds eat the seeds.
    Play Value:
    Attracts Pollinators
    Dimensions:
    Height: 2 ft. 6 in. - 3 ft. 6 in.
    Width: 2 ft. 6 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Habit/Form:
    Arching
    Clumping
    Dense
    Erect
    Growth Rate:
    Rapid
    Maintenance:
    Low
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Soil Texture:
    Clay
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Alkaline (>8.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Occasionally Dry
    Occasionally Wet
    Available Space To Plant:
    12 inches-3 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Panicle
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Fall
    Summer
    Flower Description:
    Tiny yellow flowers in dense panicles at the ends of arching stems. Blooms late summer to fall.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Lanceolate
    Ovate
    Leaf Margin:
    Crenate
    Serrate
    Hairs Present:
    Yes
    Leaf Length:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Description:
    3-6 inch oval green leaves are alternate on stems and toothed.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Surface:
    Hairy (pubescent)
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Meadow
    Naturalized Area
    Landscape Theme:
    Butterfly Garden
    Pollinator Garden
    Rain Garden
    Design Feature:
    Border
    Attracts:
    Butterflies
    Pollinators
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer
    Heat
    Humidity
    Insect Pests
    Wet Soil