I routinely pinch or cut back the really tall species of Goldenrod (Solidago), perennial Helianthus, and Asters. They end up being a bit shorter and blooming a bit later. This seems to help prevent them from flopping as much. I usually do this in June, but early July is probably not too late, especially if you have a longer growing season. In the wild part of the yard, I've observed that these species are grazed on by deer, so they are probably well-adapted to this type of pruning. Unfortunately this Spring, I've had tendonitis in wrists and elbows, so I haven't cut back much. Only did a little pinching. The Helianthus maximiliani will probably end up being 10 feet fall and flop all over everything. 8-O

Hi Jeanne; I haven't replied for a couple days because I have been thinking about your question. Keep in mind that "goldenrod" is a generic term. There are some 75 species in the Solidago genus and another 9 plus in the Oligoneuron family. If you had asked me two weeks ago if Solidago canadenisis was a good nectar plant, I would have said "no". However, over the last week I have seen more things nectaring on it. Not a lot however. I did see tons of things on Stiff leaved goldenrod, Oligoneuron rigidum. However, it seems that these plants have a long period where the flowers are present but not producing nectar. Nectar may be produced for only a week or so. I have been watching them closely on my butterfly surveys and that is what I have been observing. That being said, these are beautiful plants. I would encourage you to look in the Oligoneuron genus. The Riddells (sp) and stiff leaved are beautiful plants and like I said, I think you will see more on them. However, I am still observing! Cheers, Elisabeth

Might add S. juncea. It forms clumps but can also spread a bit via rhizomes, not as much as say S. canadensis. It flowers a little earlier than the others. If the site has good drainage S. speciosa combined with S. bicolor could prove interesting and well-behaved. Solidago hispida is similar to S. bicolor but has yellow flowers instead of white. We actually have seaside goldenrod (Solidago sempervirens) naturalizing along roadsides here because of all the salt they put down. Could be an option next to a driveway or sidewalk that gets salt in the winter.

i would find a spot in the garden for it.. break it out of that pot.. bare root it.. and see if the sprouts are related to the root mass below ... and if it isnt related to the roots ... then dont plant the weed sprouts... lol ... imo.. anything that gratuitously shows up in a pot.. is a free seeding potential nightmare.. and i think to myself.. maybe i dont want that in my garden ... welcome to the forums ... ken