Trollius, members of the buttercup family and called globe-flowers are some of the finest border plants. They have attractive glossy foliage, and the long-stemmed yellow or orange blossoms make excellent cut flowers.
A well-grown group of Trollius in full bloom is a breathtaking sight.
Where Trollius Grows
Trollius grows naturally in sticky situations but does well in average garden soil, which is not too dry. In sections of the country where the summers are hot and dry, they may be grown bordering a bog garden, near a pool or stream, or in partial shade.
They like a rich, deep soil that contains plenty of moisture-holding humus. The plants are perfectly hardy.
Most species are slow to grow from seeds, and it is better to start with plants. Clumps should be set in the garden as early in the season as the ground can be prepared if one wishes to enjoy the glorious golden buttercups with their waxy incurved petals and prominent stamens. That same season.
Otherwise, they may be planted in the garden after their blooming period. But the later in the season they are transplanted, the more care and watering they will require to get established.
Four Main Trollius Species
There are four main species:
- Trollius caucasicus
- Trollius europaeus
- Trollius ledebourii
- Trollius laxus
Many named forms are listed in American catalogs; presumably, these are varieties or hybrids of these four species.
Many of the latter are improvements and certainly have more prolonged blooming periods. Many combinations will bloom again in late slimmer if the soil is kept moist.
Rare Caucasian Globe Flower
Trollius caucasicus is the old hut rare Caucasian globe flower. It is from western Asia. It bears, in May, extra large ball-shaped flowers of bright yellow on 2- to 3-foot stems.
Giant European Globe Flower
Trollius europaeus is the giant European globe flower. It is a stout, sturdy grower, making a large clump and bearing clear yellow, large, rounded flowers on stems 18” inches to 2’ feet tall.
Trollius Europaeus Varieties
Its variety, Orange Queen, is an early bloomer, often showing its large flowers of rich orange in late April and continuing in full glory. During May. It usually blooms again during the fall.
Other varieties of Trollius europaeus may be obtained, including Canary Bird, which is usually in bloom with Darwin tulips. It bears globes of clear yellow on 15” to 18” inch stems.
Variety Earliest of All is said to be one of the very best of the early varieties. The flowers are a pure golden yellow and the same height as Canary Birds.
Excelsior is a little taller and has globe-shaped reddish-orange flowers. Eleanor has delicate yellow blossoms and is said to bloom all summer.
Trollius Ledebourii
To my mind, Trollius ledebourii and its varieties are the loveliest of all. They are very quickly grown from seeds.
Spring-sown seed germinates well. The little plants make long wiry roots and transplant very successfully.
They grow into large clumps slowly, but each year, they are more effective at the border. Trollius ledebourii is from Siberia and has blossoms that open more expensive than the other species.
They are a clear sparkling yellow. This species blooms about a week later than Trollius europaeus and is delicate as a cut flower.
Trollius ledebouri’s Golden Queen is an excellent English introduction. I had my first seeds of this front England, but now seeds may be obtained from several American sources.
My records show that seeds sown in flats inside on February 2 began to germinate on March 7. This trollius is a very vigorous grower, sending up 3′ feet tall stems.
The flowers are large, 3” to 4” inches across, and are a dazzling brilliant orange. The blossoms are semi-double, with extra rays in the center and very prominent anthers, adding to their beauty.
They remind one of the miniature waterlilies. Golden Queen often blooms a second time in the fall if seeds are not allowed to form.
Trollius Laxus
Trollius laxus is rarely found in gardens. It is a native of swampy meadows in the northeastern states and is sometimes grown in rock gardens.
Trollius cannot be praised too highly. They are highly recommended for a magnificent garden display and cut flowers.
These most colorful plants should be seen more frequently in gardens. If a proper selection is made, blooms may be had throughout the entire spring season, with a scattering bloom again in the fall.
44659 by Rebecca Tolbert Bobbit