Solidago Strahlenkrone

Solidago 'Strahlenkrone', also known as Goldenrod, is a compact hybrid variety with abundant bright yellow flowering, suitable for all gardens and non-invasive. It produces a crown of golden yellow pyramidal spikes from July, with slightly arched flowers and peduncles of the same tone emerging from dense, medium green foliage. A superb, hardy perennial, easy to grow in the sun, in ordinary sandy soil and interesting for cut flowers.

Solidago Strahlenkrone is a horticultural hybrid. This woody-based perennial belongs to the Asteraceae family and is a cousin of daisies and asters. The 'Strahlenkrone' variety is mainly distinguished by a more compact habit than the wild species it originates from and beautiful dense bright yellow flowers. Unlike the wild species, it does not spread through suckers. This plant does not exceed 75 cm (30in) high when flowering,  and 45 cm (18in) wide, and forms a dense, flexible clump of leafy stems. Flowering takes place from July to September, depending on the climate, with bright yellow inflorescences. These are light panicles of tiny little flower heads carried by yellow petioles in branched and feathery spikes. They appear at the end of robust stems, bearing opposite elongated, rough, medium-green leaves with slightly toothed edges. This goldenrod disappears in late autumn and reappears in spring.

These perennial plants are highly appreciated for their late flowering. Modern varieties of goldenrod have replaced the old ones, which were invasive and not very attractive. They are sturdy plants that only dislike excessive heat and drought, which can cause powdery mildew on the foliage. Solidago 'Strahlenkrone' can be planted alone or in groups of three, close to blue asters (Aster lævis Calliope) or purple asters (Aster turbinellus), cosmos, Crambe cordifolia, and veronicas (Veronica incana, Veronica longifolia), for example. Its flowers hold well when cut and can also be dried before fully blooming for dry arrangements.