Hybrid goldenrod: description and characteristics, planting and care, reproduction

A perennial plant from the Astrov family, known as hybrid goldenrod, has become the progenitor of many new varieties and species. Another name for him is solidago. Its lush yellow flowers decorate the site for a long period, but in some countries goldenrod is considered a weed. Before planting any of the plant varieties on the site, study the requirements of the crop for cultivation and care.

General description of the plant

In nature, the plant is found in America, Asia, Central Russia and Western Europe.Meadows, forest edges, fields - any open area, favorite places for solidago to grow. In total, about 120 species of goldenrod are known today, but only 20 are used in cultural gardening. They differ in the type of root system, the shape of the crown and inflorescences. The height of the plant depends on the variety and ranges from 30 to 200 cm.

Solidago leaves are characterized by an ovoid elongated shape. The flowers are yellow, appear on goldenrod in early summer and last until autumn. After the end of flowering, a fruit is formed in place of the buds, which looks like a pubescent ribbed achene.

Varieties and types of goldenrod

Among the variety of solidago species and varieties, there are several that are especially popular with gardeners and landscape designers:

• Common goldenrod. The shoots of the plant are straight or branched, grow up to a maximum of 2 meters. Inflorescences are complex, paniculate, racemose or spike-shaped.
• Daurian. This is a shrub that grows up to a meter in height. Its homeland is Siberia. Shoots are simple, powerful, branching is observed only in the inflorescence. Short hairs cover the upper part of the stem, the lower one is completely naked. Dahurian goldenrod inflorescences are racemose or paniculate in shape and consist of yellow-colored baskets.

Of the varieties of hybrid goldenrod, gardeners value the following:

• Fryugold. Grows up to 120 cm. Yellow-colored inflorescences measure 25 cm.
• Goldshtral. The bush does not exceed a meter mark in height. The inflorescences are panicle-shaped and consist of yellow-colored baskets.
• Shpetgold. Lemon-yellow baskets adorn a meter-high bush. Their length is about 20 cm.
• Goldking. One of the tallest varieties reaches 1.5 meters. Its decoration is a rich yellow shade of panicle-shaped inflorescences. Their length does not exceed 35 cm.

Subtleties of growing ornamental crops

The advantage of the culture is that it reacts equally positively to both sunny and shady areas. Gardeners practically do not face problems when growing goldenrod.

Location

When choosing a location for growing solidago, take into account that the plant is aggressive and instantly fills the entire area, so it is necessary to control self-seeding.Solidago does not impose any requirements on the choice of soil. Suitable for growing and heavy clay soils, and light fertile. Whether the site will be in the sun all day or in the shade, this will not affect the growth of the plant.

Preparation of planting material

Most often, seedlings are purchased for planting in a specialized gardening store or cuttings are harvested on their own. Special preparation before planting is not required; for better rooting, the cut or roots are treated with a growth stimulator.

Timing and boarding process

Planting hybrid goldenrod in open ground is allowed both in mid-spring and early autumn. The step-by-step algorithm consists of the following steps:

1. The soil in the selected area is dug up, humus is introduced into it.
2. A separate hole is made for each seedling. In this question, they are guided by the size of the root system.
3. Any mineral complex is added to each well.
4. Gently spread the goldenrod roots along the bottom of the hole and sprinkle with soil, lightly crush.
5. After planting, moisten the plant abundantly.

Goldenrod Care Tips

The golden rod, as the plant is also called, does not take much time and effort from the gardener and is content with simple care and preventive procedures.

Irrigation

In those years when there is a sufficient amount of natural precipitation, the hybrid goldenrod does not need additional moisture. But if the weather is hot for a long time and it does not rain, water the plant abundantly. Too dry soil causes powdery mildew to develop.

Fertilizer

The introduction of dressing formulations is recommended only in cases where the soil on the site is poor and depleted. This will provoke more abundant flowering of goldenrod. Both mineral and organic formulations are suitable. It is also recommended to occasionally sprinkle the soil with wood ash - this is an effective prevention of powdery mildew. Fertilize twice during the active growing season - in spring and autumn.

Garter and transplant

Low-growing varieties of plants do not need a garter, but for tall ones it is recommended to build supports.

It is necessary to move goldenrod bushes to a new place no more than once every 6-7 years. Transplanting too often will only harm the plant.

Cutting

In the spring, the bush does not need such a procedure. Pruning is carried out only when preparing goldenrod for winter. At the end of autumn, before the first frost hits, all the branches are cut so that only a 10-centimeter stump remains above the ground. But the culture does not need shelter for the winter period at all. The hybrid goldenrod is characterized by increased frost resistance and calmly endures this time even in the northern regions.

Ways to control diseases and pests

The main disease that harms goldenrod shrubs is powdery mildew, which has a fungal origin. In this case, a whitish coating appears on the ground parts of the plant. The cause is severe drought, too densely spaced bushes and an excess of nitrogen component in the soil.In this case, treatment with copper sulfate or any fungicidal preparation helps.

Also sometimes rust occurs on the leaves.

The disease is not treated, so infected plants are removed from the site, and he althy ones are sprayed with Bordeaux liquid.

From pests, goldenrod is sometimes attacked by a caterpillar, due to which leaf plates are twisted. If it is not planned to use the plant for medical purposes, it is sprayed with any insecticide, otherwise only folk remedies for insect control are acceptable.

Flower propagation methods

There are several ways to plant a flower on the site.

Seeds

Because the seeds of the plant do not remain viable for long, this method is rarely used by gardeners.

Dividing the bush

It is much easier and more efficient to use division of the bush for plant propagation.For this, an adult specimen is selected, which is at least 4 years old. Spill the soil abundantly with water and carefully remove the plant from it. Divide it into several parts (depending on the size of the root system) and seated in pre-prepared holes.

Rooting cuttings

No less effective way and rooting cuttings. It guarantees almost 100% plant survival. As soon as buds appear on the bush, they begin to harvest the material. For this, only fully formed shoots are selected. They are separated only with a "heel". They are simply buried in the garden, after a short period of time they will take root.

Landscape Application Examples

A perennial plant looks equally impressive in both single and group plantings. Due to its golden appearance, it is often used by landscape designers.In the company, mock orange, juniper, spirea are selected for him. Goldenrod also looks attractive in combination with ornamental grasses in a mixborder and discount.

Healing properties of the plant

Decorative appearance is not the only advantage of goldenrod. It is also used in the creation of medicines. It has a diuretic effect, so it is often prescribed in the treatment of diseases of the kidneys and bladder. Traditional medicine recommends the use of the plant for gout, indigestion, and urolithiasis.

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