Thursday, October 6, 2011

Solidago Fireworks Attracts Fall Pollinators

I would like to add more goldenrods to my garden for fall pollinators and late season blooms. I planted a Little Lemon goldenrod last year but it did not make it so I will try it again (perhaps in a dryer location) because I really liked it. Common goldenrod volunteered in my garden this year and I am very pleased, but I will try seeding it in the places where I would rather have it be for next year. Prairie Moon Nursery offers a variety of native goldenrods for different conditions that I will also have to give a try.

Appreciatively, Solidago Fireworks has just bloomed in my garden – later than common godlenrod. I am not the only one who appreciates it. I captured this short video of the pollinators it has attracted. Many flies, wasps, bumble bees and what I believe to be a Yellow-collared Scape Moth. It is nice to see the fall garden so active.


Though I am not fond of the way its lower stems tend to brown and bare, I love the firework-like display of the blooms. It is very appropriately named! I am hoping the Liatris planted in front of it fills in to hide the lower stems a little more next year. I would still recommend this plant for the garden in spite of its bare ankles. It stays upright and does not flop. The blooms burst into golden rays and are beautiful in the way they "spray" in arcs – a very welcome sight this time of year, and it's obviously a popular gathering spot for pollinators. I purchased my Solidago Fireworks plants from Bluestone Perennials in case you would like to add this pollinator-friendly-fall-bloomer to your garden as well.

6 comments:

  1. Hi Kathy,
    That does look like the Scape Moth. Nice find! My Fireworks is just starting to flower, now I'll have to go check out the activity.
    Thanks

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  2. So nice to find a plant that blooms so cheerfully during this part of the year, and one that so many pollinators appreciate is fabulous!

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  3. I have lots of solidago in the meadow and a few less common ones I am more than happy to share...you are just North of me...

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  4. I have always been wary of using solidago in my garden as it is such a big and bright plant I think it would overwhelm. You could keep an eye out for seedlings in the spring and move them to where you want them

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  5. Solidago Fireworks was one the the first plants I fell in love with because of how it attracted so many pollinators. It's so impressive planted in large masses. I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one who's had them turn brown and drop leaves at the base.

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  6. Hi Kathy,
    I checked my Fireworks on the weekend and saw the scape moth! Wanted to stop back and let you know.

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Thank you for joining me in my garden in the making!

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