Solidago 'Little Lemon' is a compact goldenrod selection prized for its soft yellow plumes that bloom in late summer without overwhelming surrounding plants. Its dwarf stature and clumping habit make it ideal for edging or container use, while its dense flowers provide vibrant color and important ecological support during a time of seasonal transition.
Height & Spread: 10 - 12 in x 12 - 18 in
Bloom Time: Late summer to early fall
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Average to sandy well drained soil
Watering Needs: Low to moderate once established
Deer Resistance: Deer resistant and rarely damaged due to aromatic foliage
Native Status
This cultivar is derived from North American native goldenrods and retains strong ecological value while offering a tidier growth habit suitable for gardens.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Bees
- Supports a variety of native bees including sweat bees and long horned bees especially during late season foraging windows.
Butterflies
- Attracts fall flying butterflies such as Monarchs, Painted Ladies, and Common Buckeyes during their migration periods.
Beneficial Insects
- Provides nectar for parasitic wasps and habitat for lacewings and other predatory insects supporting natural pest control.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Plant 12 - 18 in apart to allow the compact clumps to fill in evenly while maintaining air flow.
Landscape Placement:
- Perfect for sunny borders, rock gardens, pollinator patches, or mixed container arrangements where late season color is desired without excessive height.
Companion Plants
- Schizachyrium scoparium 'The Blues' - Blue tinted native grass adds vertical texture and turns bronze in fall alongside goldenrod’s blooms.
- Echinacea purpurea 'PowWow White' - Large white daisy blooms offset the golden spires with cool contrast and pollinator appeal.
- Coreopsis verticillata 'Zagreb' - Bright golden mounding daisy blooms echo the lemony tones and low height of goldenrod.
- Erigeron speciosus 'Azure Fairy' - Soft lavender daisy flowers bloom in late summer, adding pastel contrast and attracting late bees.
- Allium senescens - Offers swirls of blue green foliage and summer blooms that precede and complement goldenrod.