How to prune showy goldenrod

Late winter for the main cutback; deadhead post-flowering in autumn. In late winter, cut stems to within a few inches of the ground before new growth emerges. Remove spent flower heads in autumn if self-seeding needs limiting. Division every 3-4 years is enough to keep the clump vigorous.

Annually (late-winter cutback); deadheading optional; divide every 3-4 years. Showy Goldenrod is a relatively well-mannered, upright native goldenrod. Deadhead after the brilliant late-season flowers fade to reduce self-seeding if spread is a concern. Cut all stems back to ground level in late winter. This species is less aggressively rhizomatous than Solidago canadensis, so division is only occasionally needed.

In late winter, cut stems to within a few inches of the ground before new growth emerges. Remove spent flower heads in autumn if self-seeding needs limiting. Division every 3-4 years is enough to keep the clump vigorous.