Golden Queen Globeflower Trollius chinensis 'Golden Queen'
ABOUT
The Golden Queen is known for its strikingly beautiful flowers and lush foliage. The plant boasts a spectacular display of deep golden-yellow, globe-shaped flowers that are reminiscent of oversized buttercups, with many-layered petals that give a very full and rounded look. These radiant blooms are a stunning contrast against the rich green, palmately lobed leaves that have a somewhat coarse texture. The foliage forms a handsome, dense clump that serves as an attractive backdrop for the vivid blossoms. The flowers are set atop sturdy, upright stems that rise gracefully from the leafy base, presenting the blooms at an appealing level for viewing. Each flower, being quite intricate, can attract various pollinators such as bees and butterflies, adding movement and interest to the garden. The Golden Queen's overall appearance is one of elegance and robust beauty, making it a favorite among garden enthusiasts for its vivid color and charming form.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae
Synonyms
Golden Queen Globe Flower, Chinese Globe Flower
Common names
Trollius ledebourii, Trollius asiaticus, Trollius europaeus var. asiaticus.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as Golden Queen is not widely known for being toxic to humans. While many plants can cause reactions in certain individuals, there isn't significant information suggesting that Golden Queen is poisonous upon ingestion. However, as a general rule, it is advisable to avoid eating plants that are not known to be safe, as they could potentially cause gastrointestinal discomfort or allergic reactions in some people.
To pets
Golden Queen is not commonly listed as a toxic plant for pets such as dogs and cats. However, individual animals may have varying sensitivities, and the ingestion of non-food plants by pets can sometimes lead to gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea. It's always wise to keep an eye on your pet and consult with a veterinarian if any unusual symptoms appear after they have ingested any part of a plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Orange
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
China
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Trollius chinensis 'Golden Queen', commonly known as Golden Queen globe flower, adds aesthetic appeal to gardens with its bright, showy flowers.
- Garden Ecosystem Support: It provides nectar and pollen to attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, enhancing pollination in the garden.
- Tolerance to Moist Soil: It can thrive in moist soil conditions where other plants may struggle, making it ideal for waterside plantings or rain gardens.
- Seasonal Interest: It offers seasonal interest with its early-to-mid summer blooming period, helping to create a succession of color in the landscape.
- Companion Planting: Golden Queen globe flower can be paired with other moisture-loving plants to create a cohesive and vibrant garden design.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, it requires relatively little care, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Naturalizing Effect: It can spread over time to form natural-looking drifts, which are attractive in informal or wildflower gardens.
- Cold Hardy: It is capable of withstanding cold temperatures, making it suitable for various climates and extending its geographical range of cultivation.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Trollius chinensis has been used traditionally to reduce inflammation in certain conditions.
- Antipyretic: It may possess qualities that help reduce fever.
- Antibacterial: There is evidence to suggest it has properties that can inhibit the growth of certain bacteria.
- Hepatoprotective: Some studies indicate that it might offer some level of liver protection.
- Antioxidant: The plant may contain compounds with antioxidant effects that help to protect cells from damage.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Globeflower ink - The petals of the Globeflower can be crushed to produce a natural yellow dye, which can be used for ink-making in artistic endeavors.
- Photography props - Due to its striking appearance, Globeflowers can be used as props in portrait and nature photography to add color and interest to the composition.
- Floral arrangements - Globeflower's unique shape and vibrant color makes it suitable for decorative floral arrangements in homes and at events.
- Educational tool - Plant enthusiasts may use Globeflowers to teach botany students about plant morphology and pollinator attraction strategies.
- Garden design - Globeflowers are utilized in garden designing, offering a golden hue and globe-shaped blooms to enhance aesthetic appeal.
- Craft projects - Dried Globeflowers can be used in crafting, such as potpourri mixes or pressed flower art.
- Culinary decoration - While they should not be consumed, Globeflower petals can decorate plates or cake tops in high-end cuisine, to be removed before eating.
- Film and theater - Globeflowers can be used in film and stage productions to create a specific visual setting or time of year in outdoor scenes.
- Nature study - Observation of Globeflowers in a natural habitat can provide data for studies on plant growth patterns, blooming cycles, and wildlife interactions.
- Companion planting - Globeflowers may be planted alongside other species that require similar growing conditions, helping to create a supportive ecosystem within a garden.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Golden Queen Globe Flower is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Golden Queen Globe Flower is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Protection: Trollius Chinensis, known as Golden Queen, often symbolizes protection due to its bright and bold appearance which was believed to ward off evil spirits.
- Good Fortune: The lush, golden flowers are seen as a symbol of wealth and prosperity, often used in celebrations to bring good luck.
- Perseverance: Golden Queen thrives in damp conditions, representing the ability to persist and flourish even in challenging environments.
WaterThe Golden Queen Globe Flower should be watered regularly to maintain evenly moist soil, especially during dry spells. Typically, this would mean watering the plant deeply once a week with about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water, adjusting for rainfall. During the heat of summer, you may need to water twice a week. Make sure the plant has good drainage to prevent waterlogging. It’s crucial not to let the soil dry out completely, as it enjoys consistent moisture.
LightThe Golden Queen Globe Flower thrives best in full sun to partial shade. It should be positioned in a spot where it can receive at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight daily. However, in areas with very hot summers, it benefits from some afternoon shade to protect it from the intense heat.
TemperatureThe Golden Queen Globe Flower prefers a temperate climate and is hardy in a temperature range from -40 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, but the ideal growing temperature lies between 50 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive short periods of colder snaps and heat but will not fare well under prolonged extreme temperatures.
PruningPruning the Golden Queen Globe Flower should be done to remove spent flower heads and encourage a second bloom. Cut back the stems after the first flush of flowering in the summer. Pruning can also help maintain the plant's shape and remove any dead or damaged foliage, which should ideally be done in the spring or after the plant has finished flowering in the fall.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Chinese Globe Flower 'Golden Queen' requires moist, well-draining soil with a pH range between 5.5 and 7. A soil mix of loam, peat, and sand in equal parts is ideal to retain slight acidity and moisture while ensuring good drainage.
RepottingChinese Globe Flowers 'Golden Queen' should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. It is best to repot in the spring just before the growing season begins.
Humidity & MistingChinese Globe Flower 'Golden Queen' thrives at a regular outdoor humidity level, not needing any special humidity considerations, thus making it versatile for various outdoor environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Use rich, well-draining soil, place in bright, indirect light.
Outdoor
Plant in moist, well-drained soil; partial sun to light shade.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe Golden Queen globe flower (Trollius chinensis 'Golden Queen') starts its life as a seed, which, when sown in a cool, moist soil in early spring or autumn, will germinate as temperatures rise. Once the seedlings emerge and are large enough to handle, they are transplanted to their final growing positions, preferably in humus-rich, moist soil in partial shade. The plant establishes itself quickly, forming a clump of palmately lobed, deeply cut leaves. During late spring to early summer, the Golden Queen produces bright, showy, yellow-orange bowl-shaped flowers, which attract various pollinators to the garden. After flowering, if the blooms are left to mature, they will set seed for dispersal. The plant is a herbaceous perennial, which means that it dies back to ground level in autumn, with the root system overwintering to bring forth new growth the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Globeflower can be successfully propagated by division in late winter or early spring, just before new growth starts. Division involves carefully digging up an established plant and gently separating the clumps of roots and crowns into smaller sections, each with a portion of the root system and one or more growing points. These sections can then be replanted in well-prepared soil, spaced about 12 to 24 inches (approximately 30 to 60 cm) apart to allow adequate room for growth. Thorough watering after planting helps to settle the soil around the roots and to remove any air pockets. This method is favored for its simplicity and effectiveness, allowing gardeners to quickly increase their stock of globeflowers while ensuring the new plants are true to the parent in terms of their characteristic vibrant, golden flowers.
