Trollius Plant Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners
Article by Dean Ravenscroft, Ph.D. - Updated 27th Oct 2023
In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Trollius plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings.
- Plant Characteristics: Trollius has vibrant buttercup-like flowers that bring charm to gardens. Its globe flowers make it unique and visually intriguing.
- Ideal Growing Conditions: This plant thrives in moist well-draining soil and prefers full sun to partial shade.
- General Care: Water regularly to keep its appearance fresh and deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
- Tips for New Gardeners: Globe Flower is a resilient choice for both novices and experts. Ensure a damp environment for best growth and be mindful of mildew.
Globe Flower: Cultivation & Garden Use
Trollius globe flower are hardy perennials that range from 15 cm to 90 cm (6 to 36 inches) in height.
The blooming time is species dependent, ranging from early spring through to late in the summer. When in bloom they generally carry multi petaled flowers of orange or yellow.
Trollius europaeus - Globe Flower by echoforsberg.
Foliage is usually of lobed shaped leaves. A commonly grown member of the Trollius in the garden is Globe Flower.
How to Grow Globe Flower and Other Trollius
It is best to sow Globe flower (and other Trollius) seeds outdoors using fresh seeds in early autumn; sow on the soil surface in peat pots, and sink the pots about 30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 inches) apart into the garden in a shady area, keep well watered.
Use a few seeds in each pot as Trollius suffers from poor germination> It may be easier to grow from purchased plants or divisions took from established plants.
The seeds should take from one month to one year to germinate.
Ideally they should grow in a shady part of the garden, they will tolerate sunny areas but keep the soil well moistened, almost boggy if growing in these areas.
Ideally the soil that they grow in will be slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5 to 7) and humus rich.
Caring for Trollius Plants
When looking after Trollius species such as Globe flowers it is important that the soil they grow in is very moist so keep well watered.
Once they have finished flowering dead head them, this should hopefully result in prolonged blooming of globe flowers.
If you require more plants then propagate by division in either spring or autumn, however, it is important not to do this too frequently, perhaps every three or four years at the most.
Main Trollius Species Photographs
Trollius chinensis: Chinese globeflower
Trollius chinensis photograph by F. D. Richards; CC.
Trollius laxus: Alpine Globe Flower
Trollius-laxus, the Alpine Globeflower, photograph by Murray Foubister; CC.
Trollius europaeus: Globeflower
Globeflower photograph by Katya; CC.
Trollius Cultivars
Trollius Golden Queen
Trollius chinensis Golden Queen, photograph by Babij; CC.
Trollius New Moon
Trollius X cultorum New Moon, photograph by cultivar413; CC.
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Trollius Growing and Care Guide
- Common Names: Globe flower, Globeflower, Bolts
- Life Cycle: Hardy perennial.
- Height: 6 to 36 inches (15—90 cm).
- Native: Northern Hemisphere – temperate regions.
- Growing Region: USDA American Zones 3 to 8. RHS zone H7, hardy throughout Europe.
- Flowers: Species dependent: Early spring through to late summer.
- Flower Details: Yellow, orange, cream, lemon, lilac. Single spherical flowers carried on sturdy inflorescence stems. Globe or Buttercup-like.
- Foliage: Basel leaves are clump-forming. Glossy with deeply divided toothed segments. Small stem leaves. Leaves can reach 12 cm (4.5 inches) in width.
- Sow Outside: Germination time: one to twelve months. Usually grown from divided rootstocks because of poor germination rates. Use fresh seed. Surface. Late summer. Peat pots. Water from below. Transplant to their final location in the autumn. Space at 12 to 18 (30—45 cm).
- Sow Inside: No.
- Requirements and care: : Full or partial shade. Very moist or boggy soil. Deep soil. Acidic to neutral soil pH 5 to 7. Humus-rich. Regular watering. Deadhead. Propagate: by dividing in the spring in cooler areas or the autumn in warmer areas, about every four or five years.
- Family: Ranunculaceae.
- Closely Related Species: Aconitum, Adonis, Buttercup, Clematis, Consolida, Eranthis, Helleborus, and Nigella, and Ranunculus.
- Miscellaneous: Attracts the Silver-ground Carpet moth (Xanthorhoe montanata) and seed eating flies from the Anthomyiidae family.
Common Questions
How many members does the Trollius genus have?
The Trollius genus, often known as Globeflower, includes approximately 30 species.
Do members of Trollius make a good garden or landscaping plant?
Yes, Trollius species make excellent garden plants, appreciated for their large, globular flowers. They're perfect for borders or wet areas in gardens.
Which Trollius species are most frequently grown by gardeners?
The most commonly grown species is Trollius europaeus, also known as European Globeflower.
Are members of the Trollius plant genus fragrant?
Trollius species are not typically known for fragrance, but their large, globe-like flowers are quite attractive.
What is the perfect location to grow Trollius?
Trollius prefers full sun to partial shade and moist soil. They're an excellent choice for borders, or areas with poor drainage.
Is Trollius invasive in the USA, if so in which states?
Currently, Trollius is not known to be invasive in the USA. Always refer to local regulations for accurate information.
How do I remove Trollius plants from my garden?
To remove Trollius, uproot the entire plant, ensuring all root material is removed to prevent regrowth.
Summary
The Trollius plant genus is part of the family Ranunculaceae. This genus includes around 30 species of perennial plants native to the cool temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere.
Trollius plants thrive in full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. They are typically propagated by seed in autumn or by division in spring. Known for their spherical, brightly colored flowers, they are commonly used in damp and bog gardens.
I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Trollius. You may also enjoy the following Ranunculaceae growing guides: How to grow Aconitum napellus and Caltha Plants.
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