Solidago canadensis Gold King

Solidago canadensis 'Gold King', also known as Goldenrod or Goldenglow, is a more compact variety than the species, with moderate growth that easily adapts even to small gardens. This superb perennial flowers in summer with branching, feathery golden-yellow, slightly arched spikes, emerging from a dense light green foliage. It is a superb and easy-to-grow plant in the sun, in ordinary soil that is not too dry.

Solidago candensis, also known as Canadian goldenrod, is a large deciduous and rhizomatous herbaceous perennial belonging to the asteraceae family, native to North America but now naturalized throughout Europe. It can be found in a wide range of habitats, but never in shade. It is considered a pioneer plant, colonizing disturbed areas such as those affected by fires, except in very dry or waterlogged soils.

The 'Gold King' variety is distinguished mainly by its much more compact habit. This plant will not exceed 70 to 80 cm (28 to 32in) high when in flower and 50 cm (20in) wide, forming a dense, flexible tuft of leafy stems. It will flower from July to September, depending on the climate, in light, pure yellow feathery spikes of tiny small head-shaped capitula. They appear at the end of robust, hairy stems with opposite, elongated, rough, light green leaves with slightly toothed edges. This goldenrod disappears in late autumn to reappear in spring.

Goldenrods are appreciated for their late flowering and modern varieties have mostly replaced the old ones that were invasive and had little ornamental interest. They are robust plants that only dislike excessive heat and drought, which can cause powdery mildew on the foliage. Solidago 'Gold King' can be planted individually or in groups of three with blue asters (Aster lævis Calliope) or purple asters (Aster turbinellus), cosmos, Crambe cordifolia, and veronicas (Veronica incana, Veronica longifolia). Its flowers hold up well as cut flowers, and can be dried before fully blooming to be integrated into dry arrangements.