Solidago rugosa 'Fireworks' is a bold arching goldenrod cultivar with a dramatic fountain of fine textured yellow flowers that appear like exploding sparks in early fall. Great for movement and color!
Height & Spread: 36 - 48 in x 24 - 36 in
Bloom Time: September to October
Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade
Soil Preference: Moist, loamy, or clay soils; tolerates seasonal wetness
Watering Needs: Medium; more tolerant of moisture than other goldenrods
Deer Resistance: Moderately deer resistant due to bitter foliage
Native Status
This cultivar is derived from Solidago rugosa, a species native to eastern North America. It is widely used in gardens as a showy selection with reliable late season performance.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Butterflies
- Draws in fall flying butterflies such as Monarchs and Sulphurs during peak migration.
Bees
- Heavy bloom clusters support native bumblebees, resin bees, and sweat bees in early fall.
Hummingbirds
- Attracts hummingbirds indirectly by hosting small insects they feed on in late summer gardens.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space plants 24 - 36 in apart to allow full fountain shape and reduce mildew risk.
Landscape Placement
- Striking in borders, moist meadows, rain gardens, and naturalized woodland edges.
Companion Plants
- Vernonia noveboracensis (New York Ironweed) - Provides strong upright purple flower spikes that contrast with golden cascades of 'Fireworks.'
- Eutrochium purpureum (Joe Pye Weed) - Tall, moisture loving native with pink flowers that pairs beautifully with goldenrod’s yellow hues.
- Physostegia virginiana (Obedient Plant) - Adds pink snapdragon like blooms and thrives in similar moist soils.
- Rudbeckia laciniata (Cutleaf Coneflower) - Shares habitat and blooming season, with tall yellow blooms and a naturalized look.
- Carex muskingumensis (Palm Sedge) - Offers grassy texture and moisture tolerance for layered plantings with goldenrod.