Globeflower Trollius × cultorum 'Lemon Queen'
ABOUT
The 'Lemon Queen' is a flowering perennial known for its charming and vibrant appearance. The plant features a beautiful display of bowl-shaped flowers that boast a soft and alluring lemon-yellow hue. These flowers typically have numerous overlapping petals that are generously spaced, which gives them a very full and lush look. At the center of each flower, there is often a conspicuous cluster of stamens that may be of a slightly different shade, adding to the visual interest of the plant. The foliage of the 'Lemon Queen' is equally attractive, with leaves that are deeply lobed and have a somewhat palmate structure. The color of the leaves is usually a rich green which forms a striking contrast with the bright yellow of the flowers. This foliage provides a lush background that further accentuates the coloring of the blossoms. The leaves are carried on stems that rise upward and branch out, creating an elegant scaffold for the radiant flowers. Throughout its blooming season, this plant can become a buzzing hub of activity, attracting various pollinators like bees and butterflies. The overall effect of the 'Lemon Queen' is to add a touch of sun-kissed exuberance to any garden setting, with a color that is both soothing and cheerful. Its presence can transform an ordinary landscape into a delightful tapestry of yellow blossoms and verdant leaves, without referring to its specific size.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae
Synonyms
Lemon Queen Globeflower
Common names
Trollius × cultorum 'Lemon Queen'.
ToxicityTo humans
Globeflower is not commonly known to be toxic to humans. However, as with many plants, it is generally advisable not to ingest plant material that is not explicitly meant for consumption. If you suspect poisoning from any plant, seek medical attention.
To pets
Globeflower is also not well-documented as toxic to pets. Nevertheless, it is always best to prevent pets from ingesting plants not meant for their consumption. If your pet shows signs of illness after consuming any part of a plant, consult your veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Eurasia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds bright lemon-yellow blooms to gardens, enhancing visual interest.
- Pollinator Attraction: Flowers attract bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems.
- Easy to Grow: Adaptable to various soil types and can tolerate partial shade, making it a versatile plant for many garden settings.
- Long Blooming Season: Provides a long display of flowers from late spring to early summer.
- Cold Hardy: Resistant to cold temperatures, suitable for planting in cooler climates.
- Low Maintenance: Does not require extensive care, making it ideal for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Resistant to Pests: Generally resistant to pests, minimizing the need for chemical treatments.
- Cottage Garden Appeal: Contributes to the classic charm of cottage-style gardens with its globular flowers and lush foliage.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Companion planting: The Lemon Queen can be planted alongside vegetables like tomatoes and cabbage as their bright flowers can attract pollinators and potentially improve the yield of these vegetables.
- Photography: The vibrant Lemon Queen flowers are excellent subjects for garden photography, often used to add color and interest to plant-focused photo portfolios.
- Garden Themes: Gardeners may use Lemon Queen to create a specific color-themed garden, such as a pastel or a lemon-themed garden due to its pale yellow hue.
- Edible Flowers: While not commonly known for culinary use, the petals of Lemon Queen can be used as a decorative edible garnish on salads and desserts, provided they haven't been treated with pesticides.
- Natural Dyes: The petals can potentially be used to create natural dyes for fabrics or craft projects, although the color may be subtle and vary depending on the mordant used.
- Floral Crafts: Dried Lemon Queen flowers can be used in crafting, such as in potpourri mixes or pressed flower arrangements.
- Educational Tool: In schools or educational gardens, the Lemon Queen can be used to teach students about plant biology, pollination, and perennial growth cycles.
- Artistic Inspiration: Artists may use Lemon Queen as inspiration for paintings, sketches, or sculptures, drawing on the flower's form and color.
- Cultural Events: In some places, the Lemon Queen might be included in floral arrangements for events and festivals, particularly where yellow is a culturally significant color.
- Theatrical Props: Lemon Queen flowers can be used in theatrical productions or photo shoots as part of a set or costume design to convey a whimsical or garden-themed atmosphere.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Globe Flower is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Globe Flower is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Overcoming Obstacles: The resilient nature of the 'Lemon Queen' as it pushes through soil to bloom can symbolize the ability to surmount challenges.
- Radiance and Joy: Its bright yellow flowers are often associated with the sun, happiness, and positivity.
- New Beginnings: As a perennial that returns each year, it can represent rebirth and new opportunities.
WaterThe Globe Flower 'Lemon Queen' should be watered deeply to ensure the water reaches the root zone, which promotes healthy growth. Aim to water the plant once a week with about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water, depending on the soil moisture and weather conditions. During hot and dry periods, watering frequency should be increased to maintain consistent soil moisture. Reduce watering in the winter when the plant is dormant. Always check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering to avoid overwatering.
LightThe Globe Flower 'Lemon Queen' thrives in full sun to partial shade. The best spot for the plant is one where it can receive at least 6 hours of sunlight each day, which is essential for prolific blooming and strong growth. However, in extremely hot climates, provide some afternoon shade to protect the plant from intense heat.
TemperatureThe Globe Flower 'Lemon Queen' prefers a temperature range between 60°F and 75°F for optimal growth. It can tolerate a minimum temperature of around 50°F but should be protected from frost. The plant can withstand a maximum temperature up to 80°F; however, it may require additional shade and moisture in higher temperatures to prevent stress.
PruningPrune the Globe Flower 'Lemon Queen' to remove spent flower heads and encourage a second bloom. Pruning should be done after the first flush of flowers fades, usually in midsummer. Cut back the flower stems to just above a set of leaves or a new growth point. Additionally, in late winter or early spring, remove any dead or damaged foliage to maintain plant health and shape.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Lemon Queen Globe Flower thrives in moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. A mix of loam, peat, and sand can give the plant the right conditions for healthy growth.
RepottingLemon Queen Globe Flower, when grown in containers, should generally only be repotted when it outgrows its current pot, which is typically every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and provide extra room for the roots to develop.
Humidity & MistingLemon Queen Globe Flower prefers moderate to high humidity levels but is adaptable to typical outdoor ambient humidity conditions; it doesn't require specific additional humidity when planted in its natural outdoor environment.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and keep soil consistently moist.
Outdoor
Plant in sun or partial shade and ensure soil remains moist.
Hardiness zone
3-7 USDA
Life cycleTrollius × cultorum 'Lemon Queen', commonly known as Globe Flower 'Lemon Queen', begins its life cycle as a seed, germinating in the soil when conditions of moisture, temperature, and light are appropriate. After sprouting, it enters the vegetative stage, developing roots, stems, and leaves, and forming a clump of foliage. As the plant matures, it enters the flowering stage, typically in late spring to early summer, where it produces bright, lemon-yellow, globe-shaped flowers that attract pollinators. Following pollination, the flowers develop into fruit containing seeds, thus completing the reproductive phase. Eventually, in late autumn, the plant enters dormancy, with the aerial parts dying back and the plant surviving the winter through its root system. The cycle restarts in spring, as the plant emerges from dormancy and begins a new growth cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagation for Trollius × cultorum 'Lemon Queen', commonly known as the 'Lemon Queen' Globe Flower, is by division. This is best done in the autumn or early spring when the plant is dormant. To propagate by division, one should carefully dig up the entire plant, ensuring as much of the root system is intact as possible. Then, using a sharp knife or spade, divide the clump into smaller sections, each with several growth points and a portion of the root system. These divisions should be replanted immediately at the same depth they were originally growing and watered well. It is important to maintain consistent moisture until the new plants are established.
