Goldenrod, a native plant with bright yellow blooms, often graces late summer and fall landscapes. This perennial provides late-season nectar and pollen for various insects, supporting local ecosystems. As a keystone species, goldenrod offers habitat and contributes to soil health. Companion planting, growing different plants together for mutual benefit, enhances goldenrod’s ecological contributions and aesthetic appeal in a garden.
Why Practice Companion Planting with Goldenrod
Companion planting with goldenrod creates a more resilient and productive garden. Selecting neighboring plants amplifies goldenrod’s ability to attract pollinators and beneficial insects. These plants can extend nectar availability or provide diverse pollen sources, supporting a wider range of insect life.
Companion plants can also deter common garden pests, reducing the need for chemical interventions and protecting plants from damage. Some companion species improve soil health by fixing nitrogen or enhancing soil structure, enriching the growing environment for goldenrod, which thrives in well-drained, average to poor soils. Plant pairings also enhance the visual interest of a goldenrod planting, adding contrasting textures, colors, and forms.
Best Companion Plants for Goldenrod
Pollinator Attractors
Asters (Symphyotrichum spp.) are excellent choices, blooming concurrently with goldenrod and providing a stunning purple contrast to its yellow. Coneflowers (Echinacea spp.) and bee balm (Monarda spp.) attract a wide array of bees and butterflies, sharing goldenrod’s preference for full sun and well-drained conditions. Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) with its silvery-purple flowers, and blazing star (Liatris spicata) with its tall, spiky blooms, draw in beneficial insects.
Pest Deterrents
Aromatic plants can be paired with goldenrod to deter pests. Marigolds (Tagetes spp.) release compounds that repel nematodes and aphids, while basil (Ocimum basilicum) helps deter flies and mosquitoes. Lavender (Lavandula spp.) and catmint (Nepeta cataria) are effective at repelling pests like aphids and moths. Herbs such as mint, sage, rosemary, and thyme also contribute to pest deterrence, though mint should be contained due to its spreading habit.
Soil Improvers
Legumes like various clover species (Trifolium spp.) are beneficial, as they fix atmospheric nitrogen into the soil, enriching it naturally. Plants with deep root systems, such as some types of beans or peas, help break up compacted soil, improving aeration and water penetration. These companions create a more balanced environment for goldenrod’s robust root system.
Plants to Avoid Planting Near Goldenrod
Certain plants are not suitable companions for goldenrod due to competitive growth habits or differing needs. Some goldenrod species spread aggressively through rhizomes, outcompeting less vigorous plants for sunlight, water, and nutrients. Avoid planting other aggressive spreaders directly alongside goldenrod, especially in smaller garden spaces.
Plants with significantly different soil or moisture requirements may also struggle when paired with goldenrod. Goldenrod prefers full sun and well-drained to dry soil conditions. Plants that demand consistently moist or very rich soil, such as those from the cabbage family (Brassicas) or tomatoes, may not thrive in the same environment.
Designing Your Goldenrod Companion Garden
Effective design is essential when incorporating goldenrod and its companions into a garden. Goldenrod can grow 3 to 6 feet tall, so consider its mature size when planning placement. Position shorter companion plants in front or around the base to ensure they receive adequate sunlight and are not overshadowed.
Goldenrod thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, tolerating a range of soil types from clay to sand, with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. When selecting companions, prioritize plants with similar light and soil preferences to create a cohesive growing environment. This ensures all plants can establish and flourish.
Provide consistent watering for young plants until they are established. Once mature, goldenrod is drought-tolerant, needing supplemental watering only during prolonged dry periods. Avoid over-fertilization, as goldenrod does not require it and can become leggy in overly rich soil. For aggressive goldenrod varieties, periodic division every few years in early spring helps manage their spread and prevent them from overwhelming companions.