James H. Schutte
Family
Ranunculaceae
Botanical Name
Trollius
Plant Common Name
Globeflower
General Description
Distinguished by pretty buttercup-like flowers, Trollius is a genus of about 30 species of herbaceous perennials native to the cool temperate and arctic regions of the world, including North America, Europe and Asia. The name is based on the Latinized Swiss German common name for Trollius europaeus, trollblume.
Most species form a rosette of dark or medium green leaves and have fibrous roots. The leaves may be oval, lance-shaped or lobed with lightly or deeply toothed edges. Blooming occurs from mid- to late-spring. Slender, upright flower stems rise above the foliage and bear single or multiple yellow, golden orange or purplish flowers. Each cupped bloom has single or semi-double outer tepal/petals and fine, showy, upright inner petals along with many prominent golden stamens. The glowing flowers hold pockets of nectar that attract their primary pollinators, globeflower flies (Chiastocheta spp.), as well as other insects. Follicles filled with dark brown or black seeds follow the flowers.
About 10 species of globeflowers are popular for garden use. The most popular include Chinese globeflower (Trollius chinensis), a clump-forming perennial with broad, divided leaves and summer flowers with long, golden orange petals. Common or European globeflower (Trollius europaeus) is variable but clump-forming and bears lithe, upright stems of pretty rounded flowers in spring and summer. The shortest globeflower is Trollius pumila and it bears flat, slightly cup-shaped orange-yellow flowers and is ideal for spring rock garden displays.
Hardiness and culture depends on the species, but overall globeflowers prefer cooler sites with rich, moist soil. Full sun is appropriate only in regions with cool summers, otherwise partial shade is preferred. After the first summer flowering, cut back the stems hard to encourage a second bloom. Divide the clumps in late fall if they become crowded. Globeflowers are great in moist mixed borders, cottage gardens, moist meadows, stream edges and in partially shaded rock gardens. Trollius makes a splendid cutflower.
Growing Conditions
-
Soil Drainage
Average
-
Growth Rate
Medium
-
Water Requirements
Average Water
-
Habit
Clump-Forming
Special Characteristics
-
Usage
Mixed Border
-
Sharp or Has Thorns
No
-
Invasive
No
