Botanical Name: Bidens ferulifolia ‘Golden Empire™’

Common Name: Bidens, Beggarticks

Hardiness Zone: Annual in Most Climates; Perennial in Warm Regions (USDA Zones 9–11)

Size: 12–16" Tall × 18–30" Spread

Growth Habit: Spreading, Mounding, Trailing Habit

Sunlight: Thrives in Full Sun

Soil: Prefers Well-Drained Soil; Adapts to Average Garden Soils

Water Needs: Low to Moderate; Drought Tolerant Once Established

Bloom Season: Late Spring through Frost

Fertilizer: Light, Regular Feeding During Active Growth

Features: Bright Golden-Yellow Blooms, Extra-Large Flowers, Heavy Blooming, Heat Tolerant, Self-Cleaning

Uses: Ideal for Containers, Hanging Baskets, Window Boxes, Edging, Groundcover-Style Plantings, and Mass Displays

Patent: ✔ Patented

Propagation: ❌ Propagation Prohibited Without License

See our complete Bidens Plant Guide for more in depth care details.

More About Bidens 'Golden Empire™'

Golden Empire™ is a standout selection of Bidens that immediately separates itself with large golden-yellow blooms and a strong, confident growth habit. The flowers are bright without being harsh, and they come on early, then just keep rolling all the way through frost. When it’s in peak bloom, it creates a solid sheet of color that reads bold and intentional rather than loose or patchy.

I really love how Golden Empire™ fills space. It has a spreading, slightly trailing habit, but it stays controlled and balanced instead of running wild. Older Bidens could stretch or thin out by mid-summer, especially in heat, but this one holds its shape beautifully. The plant stays full, well-branched, and continues flowering heavily without needing constant attention.

Why We Like It (Our Trials)

Golden Empire™ has proven to be exceptionally dependable in full sun and high heat, which is where Bidens really have to earn their keep. It establishes quickly, handles dry spells once it’s rooted in, and keeps flowering steadily through the hottest part of Summer when lesser varieties start to lose momentum. Even under stress, it stays full and colorful without needing constant care.

We use it often because of its versatility. It spills beautifully over the edge of containers, fills in borders with ease, and works surprisingly well as a low, flowering ground cover in sunny areas. Bees find it quickly, and the self-cleaning blooms keep the plant looking fresh without deadheading. It’s one of those reliable performers that does its job quietly and well, which is exactly what I want in a Summer workhorse.

Golden Empire™ vs. Other Bidens

Golden Empire™ is the quintessential golden Bidens; sunny, cheerful, and abundant. While Blazing Star™ shares a similar color, Golden Empire™ offers a cleaner yellow rather than the richer, warmer golden tones of Blazing Star, making it feel brighter and more universally adaptable.

Next to Pretty in Pink™, its sunshine color provides a lively contrast that enhances pink tones without overwhelming them. Against White Delight™ Improved, the golden flowers create a cheerful, high-contrast combination that feels fresh and sunny, perfect for uplifting plantings in spring and summer. Its classic golden tone makes it one of the most versatile Bidens for pairing across color themes.