Are goldenrod cultivars manageable or troublesome?

Question

We have a tough dry spot in the garden (USDA zone 4) about 2' x 5' where a goldenrod cultivar would go nicely. The native species, although attractive, has a tendency to seed freely and be almost impossible to remove.

Are the cultivars more manageable, or do they seed freely and propagate by rhizomatous roots like the native species?

Two years later the clumping variety are very nicely behaved. They flower reliably, do not sow seed all over the place and stay in place. — kevinskio, Jun 30 '14 at 23:26

score 6 · Accepted Answer · edited Sep 09 '11 at 19:48

It really depends on the exact variety you choose, some are "clump forming", while others are more like the native species you mentioned -- will naturalise.

Varieties that naturalise can be controlled (somewhat) by dividing the plant every 2 or 3 years.

Some "clump forming" varieties:

Some "will naturalise" varieties:

All of the above plants are approved for UDSA hardiness zone 4.

Are goldenrod cultivars manageable or troublesome?

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