Trollius 'Golden Queen'

Trollius 'Golden Queen': Gold Glow for the Soggy Corner

'Golden Queen' wears an actual crown. Golden-yellow bowls with a spiky orange tiara in the middle, held high on long stems for the whole court to admire. CURTSY, PLEASE.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Trollius chinensis 'Golden Queen'
• Common Name: Chinese Globeflower
• Height: 75–90 cm (30–36 in)
• Spread: 45–60 cm (18–24 in)
• Flowers: Open, bowl-shaped, about 5 cm (2 in) across, with golden yellow outer petals and an upright crown of narrow orange petals in the centre, on long stems
• Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer (June to July)
• Foliage: Deep green, deeply lobed, in a low mound
• Features: Rabbit resistant, good cut flower, tolerates wet and clay soil, holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit

Where to Plant: This is a plant for the damp spots: beside a pond or stream, in a rain garden, or in a low corner of the yard where the soil stays wet. It also works in a regular border as long as the soil never dries out, and heavy clay that holds water is not a problem.

Companion Plants: Phlox 'Jeana' rises to 90 to 150 cm with pink flowers from July to September, taking over after the golden globeflowers. Kalimeris 'Blue Star' adds small blue daisies at 30 to 45 cm from June to September, a cool contrast with the orange-yellow. Amsonia 'Blue Ice' brings blue star flowers at 30 to 40 cm in May and June. Grow them all in full sun or partial sun with steady moisture.

Plant Care: Plant in full sun to part shade, in rich, moist to wet soil. In hot, dry spots, give it afternoon shade and water deeply. Globeflowers dislike drought more than anything. Cut the flower stems back after blooming. If the leaves look tired by midsummer, shear them and fresh growth will follow. Clean up the foliage in late fall or early spring. Divide in early spring or fall every few years, when the clump gets crowded.

History: Trollius chinensis is a buttercup-family plant from northern China and neighbouring parts of northeast Asia, where it grows in moist meadows and along streams. 'Golden Queen' is the best-known selection of the species and has earned the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

Final Thoughts: Wet soil, clay, deer and rabbits do not concern Her Majesty. Cut a few for the throne room. LONG LIVE THE QUEEN.