Golden Groundsel
Large, bold leaves and tall spires of flowers make golden groundsel a useful specimen or border plant.
The small flowers are orange-yellow to bright yellow, about 2 inches across, and appear in large quantities held tightly against the tall flower stalks. They bloom in August. The deep green leaves have a purplish tint. They are broad, jagged, somewhat heart-shaped, and grow up to 12 inches across. They are effective all season, but are prone to droop and wilt in hot sun and during periods of high heat and high humidity.
The plant forms dense basal clumps of leaves up to 18 inches high. From these arise 30 to 40-inch stiffly vertical flower stalks. Clumps expand at a moderate rate through the growth of short rhizomes. The plant is fairly restrained in growth and is long-lived.
Golden groundsel needs moist, rich soil that is high in organic matter. Dry soil is quickly fatal, but the plant also resents sogginess. Light shade is best, although it tolerates full sun, especially in cool climates and moist soil. Hot sun causes unsightly drooping of the foliage, especially in humid weather. Space the plants 24 inches apart.
Care is moderately easy. Water abundantly and feed regularly. If necessary, bait for slugs and snails. Division, which is rarely necessary for maintenance, will be most successful if performed in the spring.
