As beautiful as the goldenrod - often referred to as golden rue or goldenrod - looks due to its lush yellow flowers, the plant can become very strenuous after a while. Goldenrods are extremely hardy, very robust and basically feel at home in almost any location - and also have a strong tendency to grow. For this reason, pruning immediately after flowering is particularly important, otherwise you will be busy weeding out young plants.
When and how do you cut goldenrod correctly?
Goldenrods should be cut back after flowering, before fruit heads form, to prevent unwanted spread. In spring, dry shoots are removed, ideally on a mild day before budding.
Contain the spread by cutting back
Root barriers (€78.00 on Amazon) and similar measures help against the tendency of goldenrue to spread quickly and over a large area using root runners. However, goldenrods also have the habit of propagating themselves just as successfully via seeds. The only thing that helps is to cut off all inflorescences immediately after flowering - before any fruit clusters have formed. If you do cut too late, it's best to cover the ground below the plant with a tarpaulin or keep a bowl underneath. The main thing is that the seeds do not fall on the ground.
Goldenrod dangerous for allergy sufferers
Although goldenrod is not poisonous, its pollen often triggers allergic reactions. Not only people with pollen allergies are affected, people with sensitive skin can also be affected. The plant sap can trigger contact allergies or contact eczema. If you are sensitive in this regard, it is better to wear gloves when cutting. However, anyone who suffers from hay fever would rather avoid planting goldenrod.
Cut back wilted shoots in spring
A second cut is made in spring when you remove the shoots that have dried up and frozen back over the winter. The right time for this cut is a mild, not too sunny day before the actual budding. Due to the high frost resistance of goldenrod, it does not necessarily have to be frost-free on this day.
Tip
Goldenrods are also ideal as cut flowers as they last a long time in the vase.
