Photo: Georg Slickers, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Pruning guide · Perennial
Canadian goldenrod: when and how to prune
Solidago canadensis
Canadian goldenrod is best pruned in September–November.
| Pruning months | September–November |
|---|---|
| Flowering | August–October |
| Good for bees, butterflies and birds | Yes, for bees and butterflies |
| Native to Belgium | No, an invasive alien species |
Canadian goldenrod: when to prune it?
Cut the plumes off in September–October as soon as they have finished flowering, before the seeds ripen. Then, in October–November, cut all stems down to the ground.
What else to prune in those months? September · October · November
Canadian goldenrod: how to prune it?
- Cut off faded plumes straight away; do not wait until you see fluff.
- After flowering, cut all stems down to just above the ground.
- Slice off runners outside the planting spot with a sharp spade.
- Bag up prunings with seed and put them out with the general waste.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: September–November.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Spreads in the wild at the expense of native species. Better removed than pruned, and never dump the prunings in the countryside.
- Canadian goldenrod flowers in August–October, when it attracts bees and butterflies.
- If pruning falls during flowering, wait until it is over or leave part of the plant to flower, so bees and butterflies still benefit.
Caution: Do not leave the plumes standing as winter decoration: the seeds blow far away and germinate on verges and in nature areas.
Nearby: related pruning guides
- Blue-stemmed goldenrod (Solidago caesia)
- Goldenrod
- Wrinkleleaf goldenrod (Solidago rugosa)
- Cherry laurel
Plant profile: Canadian goldenrod · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.