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Pruning guide · Perennial
Goldenrod: when and how to prune
Solidago virgaurea
Goldenrod is best pruned in March.
| Pruning months | March |
|---|---|
| Flowering | July–October |
| Good for bees, butterflies and birds | Yes, for bees and butterflies |
| Native to Belgium | Yes |
Goldenrod: when to prune it?
In March cut back the old, dead stems.
What else to prune in those months? March
Goldenrod: how to prune it?
- In March cut all dead stems down to about 10 cm above the ground.
- Cut spent spikes off in autumn if you do not want the plant to self-sow.
- Leave the spikes until spring if you like them in winter; they also shelter insects.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: March.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Goldenrod flowers in July–October, when it attracts bees and butterflies.
- If you only cut back in March, the old stems stand through the winter: insects overwinter in them and birds eat the seeds.
- As a native plant, it feeds more insects than a non-native species.
Nearby: related pruning guides
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.