Solidago 'Little Miss Sunshine'

Solidago 'Little Miss Sunshine': Knee-High Gold That Stays Put

'Little Miss Sunshine' has never had a bad day, and honestly it's a bit much. Fluffy golden plumes, a tidy compact habit and enough cheer to annoy your grumpiest neighbour. SMILE, IT'S CONTAGIOUS.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Solidago canadensis 'Little Miss Sunshine'
• Common Name: Dwarf Canada Goldenrod
• Height: 30–45 cm (12–18 in)
• Spread: 40–50 cm (15–20 in)
• Flowers: Golden-yellow, in dense, fluffy plumes
• Bloom Time: Midsummer to fall (July to October)
• Foliage: Narrow, green, finely textured leaves on upright stems
• Features: Tolerates clay and black walnut

Where to Plant: It's ideal for the front or middle of a sunny border, and for pollinator gardens, rock gardens and containers. Plant it in groups for a low sweep of late colour. It tolerates clay and is a handy choice under black walnut, where many perennials struggle.

Companion Plants: Plant compact 'Little Miss Sunshine' in a sunny or part-shade bed with an Itoh peony, pink phlox and peach crocosmia. Paeonia 'Julia Rose' opens pink to apricot Itoh peonies at 65 to 80 cm in May and June. Phlox Center of Attention™ adds pink and raspberry heads at 45 to 60 cm from June to August. Crocosmia 'Emily McKenzie' brings orange and mahogany flowers at 60 to 85 cm from July to September. Calamagrostis 'Avalanche' stands behind at 90 to 120 cm with white-centred blades.

Plant Care: Plant in full sun in average to lean, well-drained soil. It handles shallow and clay soils. Water through the first season; after that it tolerates dry spells, though it flowers best with moderate moisture. No fertilizer needed. Cut it back in late fall, or leave the seed heads up for birds and winter texture and trim them in early spring. Divide every few years in spring to keep the clump vigorous.

History: 'Little Miss Sunshine' was introduced in 2016 by Jelitto, the German perennial seed company, as a compact, non-spreading form of Canada goldenrod, a species that grows wild across most of North America, including Ontario and Quebec. Goldenrod pollen is heavy and carried by insects, not wind, so it isn't the cause of late-summer hay fever.

Final Thoughts: Clay, drought, a black walnut next door? Still smiling, while the deer move on. ADOPT THE OPTIMIST YOUR GARDEN NEEDS.