Solidago flexicaulis Variegata

Solidago flexicaulis 'Variegata', also known as Variegated Goldenrod, is a horticultural variety that stands out for its very beautiful, wide and toothed, pretty light green foliage with yellow spots. It offers a stunning contrast amidst dark foliage or intense blue, violet, orange, or red flowers. In August-September, short, sparse, yellow upright, insignificant panicles appear. A rather rare, different, hardy perennial that is easy to grow in full sun or partial shade, in any good garden soil to fill gaps in a border.

Solidago flexicaulis Variegata, also called variegated goldenrod, is a variety of woody perennial that belongs to the Asteraceae family, just like daisies and sunflowers. It comes from the species Solidago flexicaulis (syn. latifolia), called zigzag goldenrod, native to Quebec. It differs from the classic goldenrod with its ovate leaves and short clusters, far from the usual feathery forms. It reaches 30 to 100 cm (12 to 39in) high. The 'Variegata' variety is mainly appreciated for its decorative, deciduous foliage, which has a broad petiole extended by a wide, ovate and toothed, light green leaf with yellow spots. This variety does not spread through suckering. This plant will reach a height of 70 cm (28in) when flowering and will form a dense, flexible clump of leafy stems. Flowering takes place from August to September, with light, rather insignificant bright yellow inflorescences that blend well into wild gardens. The 5-6 mm (0in) head is composed of a few ligulate flowers, gathered in clusters in the axil of a leaf, towards the end of the stems. This goldenrod disappears in late autumn and reappears in spring, easily blending with other perennials.

This goldenrod is appreciated for the colour of its foliage and is perfect for filling spaces in the middle of a perennial border to highlight the different flower colours. It is a robust plant that only dislikes excessive heat and drought, which can cause powdery mildew. The delicate yellow flowers are welcome in autumn borders and in front of shrubs with vibrant colours (deciduous euonymus, Persian ironwood, smoke bush, oakleaf hydrangea...). Variegated Goldenrod can be planted in groups of three among blue (Aster laevis Calliope) or purple asters (Aster turbinellus), Buenos Aires verbena (Verbena bonariensis), Crambe cordifolia, or the lesser-known Kalimeris mongolica.