Fireworks Rough Goldenrod (Solidago rugosa 'Fireworks')
sol-ih-DAY-go roo-GO-sah 'Fireworks'

Deciduous Perennial Upright in the Asteraceae Family
A popular goldenrod cultivar with lacy, arching flower sprays that look just like fireworks.

Solidago rugosa 'Fireworks' is a popular selection of rough goldenrod, grown for its dense, plume-like, arching panicles of tiny bright yellow flowers that genuinely resemble a burst of fireworks. Stiff stems hold the lacy flower sprays from September into October, later than many native goldenrods.

Like the species, it tolerates average to wet, well-drained soil, including clay, and attracts bees and butterflies. Occasional leaf rust aside, it is low-maintenance; removing spent flower clusters encourages additional bloom, and dividing every 2-3 years keeps the clump in bounds.

Pros

  • Showy, fireworks-like flower display later in the season than most goldenrods
  • Tolerates wetter, clay soils better than many goldenrods
  • Good cut flower

Cons

  • Occasional leaf rust
  • Benefits from division every 2-3 years
Highlights
  • Lacy, plume-like panicles resemble fireworks, the source of the cultivar name
 

Plant Data

Mature Size 3 - 4 feet tall. 3 - 4 feet wide.
Sun Exposure Full Sun - Full Sun
Moisture Tolerance Medium - Wet
Zones 3a - 8b (Usually hardy to -40° F)
Tags Attracts Butterflies, Deciduous, Full Sun, Medium, Nativar, Perennial, Popular For Fall, Wet
Bloom Period August to September
Flower Color Yellow-Gold
 

Plant Club Content

 

More Info from Experts

Commonly Planted with...

Asters, Joe Pye weed, and other late-season native perennials.

Photos of This with...

Blue Fortune Giant Hyssop
 
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Pricing and Availability History

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Past Availability
2025 : 04/03 - 10/04
2024 : 05/01 - 10/05
2023 : 04/13 - 09/30

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Field-Grown vs. Greenhouse-Grown Plants

Plants which are well-adapted to our local climate are most often field-grown (outside). Field-grown plants are generally cheaper and have the advantage of already somewhat acclimated to our cold winters, but that means they’re not artificially far along in the spring and tend to bloom at the normal time in our area.

Spring annuals and tender perennials are typically grown in Greenhouses so they can be ready and luxurious exactly when customers want them. Some perennials are also “forced” into early bloom in greenhouses. In May, there can be a very big difference between field-grown and greenhouse-grown plants of the same type. The latter typically look good right away (so they’re a great choice where that’s important), but we typically pay a premium for it.


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No Pricing or Availability Right Now

We order from a rotating cast of the best nurseries in the Great Lakes region. It looks like we've offered this plant in the past, but the nurseries we're working with this week don't appear to have it in stock at the moment.

Our goal is to bring as many plants together under "one roof" as possible, so we'll try hard to make it available again in the future!