Goldenrod (or goldenrue, as the plant is sometimes called) is a popular perennial in gardens, primarily because of its lush, bright yellow flowers. However, the plant spreads very quickly - not only in the garden, but also in the wild. In some regions, the neophyte is now displacing less assertive native plants and thus endangering botanical diversity. But this is not the only reason why you should limit the growth of the goldenrod: without appropriate measures, the plant threatens to quickly overgrow your garden.
How to fight goldenrod in the garden?
To effectively combat goldenrod, you can mow it regularly before flowering, dig up all rhizomes and roots or cover the planting area with a film that is impermeable to UV light and leave it for at least three months.
Limit goldenrod in the garden
Goldenrods reproduce in two different ways: via their rhizomes and through self-sowing. In order to limit the spread in the garden, you should prevent the seeds from ripening and spreading by pruning them in a timely manner. To do this, cut the goldenrod back immediately after flowering. You should also install root barriers in the soil so that the plant cannot develop beyond a predetermined framework. These root or rhizome barriers can also be installed later.
How to install a root barrier
In order to effectively prevent spread via the rhizomes, the root barrier purchased from specialist retailers (€13.00 on Amazon) should be buried at least 70 centimeters deep around the planting area. In addition, the barrier should protrude at least five centimeters from the ground so that the root runners cannot simply climb over. When installing at a later date, carefully remove all root parts that are outside the rhizome barrier.
Fighting Goldenrod
Fighting goldenrod effectively is not an easy task - one that also requires patience. There are several ways to get rid of golden rue:
- Mow the perennial several times and regularly before flowering down to just above the ground.
- Dig up all rhizomes and roots.
- But be careful, goldenrods sprout from even the smallest parts of the roots.
- Cut the plant down and cover the planting area with a film that is impermeable to UV light.
- You should apply these in spring and leave them for at least three months.
- Then remove the dead plant parts.
- However, this effective method has the disadvantage that it also kills other plants
- and is therefore only suitable for small areas.
Tip
Other proven methods for combating goldenrod include milling or cutting out.
