Globe Flower
trollius europaeus
Also known as: ["European Globeflower","Orange Balsam"]
Overview
A perennial herbaceous plant native to Europe, known for its bright yellow, globular flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Ranunculales |
| Family: | Ranunculaceae |
| Genus: | Trollius |
| Botanical Name: | Trollius europaeus |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: partially shaded garden bed with consistent moisture
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–30–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–7"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderately well-draining; prefers moist but not waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Moist, fertile, well-draining soil with organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually after flowering; division every 3–4 years.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; remove only dead or spent parts unless dividing.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full sun (4–6 hours of direct sunlight or bright indirect light); prefers morning sun and afternoon shade.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sunlight to prevent scorching; protect from intense afternoon sun; adjust placement based on seasonal light changes.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun
Morning sun is ideal; provide shade during peak heat; rotate plant for even growth.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water deeply to encourage root growth; adjust frequency based on weather and soil conditions.
Soil
moist, fertile, humus-rich soil with good drainage
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure consistent moisture; enrich with organic matter; avoid compacted soil.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); tolerates cold but prefers not to exceed 75°F in summer.
Protect from extreme cold; avoid hot afternoon sun; maintain consistent temperatures.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize lightly; avoid over-fertilizing; apply before active growth begins.
Propagation
Methods
Division or seed; division is more reliable for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Divide clumps into sections with roots and buds.
- Replant immediately.
- Water well.
Best Time: Early spring or fall when the plant is dormant or just beginning growth.
Environment
Cool, moist conditions with partial shade; consistent humidity for seeds.
Medium
Rich, well-draining soil with added compost or peat moss.
Hormone
Not typically required for division; optional for seed germination.
Timeline
Division: immediate establishment; seeds: germination in 2–4 weeks, flowering in 2–3 years.
Tools Needed
Garden fork, sharp knife, pruning shears, gloves.
Quick Tips
Divide every 3–4 years to maintain vigor; sow seeds in fall for natural stratification.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Deadhead flowers by cutting just above a leaf node; cut back foliage to ground level after dormancy.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming; cut back foliage after flowering to tidy appearance; divide clumps every few years to rejuvenate.
Tools
Pruning shears, gloves, clean knife.
Checklist
Clean tools; remove dead foliage; deadhead spent flowers; divide if necessary.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring or fall when the plant is dormant.
Pot Size
Not applicable; plant in a prepared garden bed or container with adequate space.
Method
Not applicable; division involves lifting the entire plant, dividing into sections, and replanting.
Suggestions
Not typically repotted as it is a perennial garden plant; division is preferred over repotting.
Checklist
Not applicable; refer to propagation checklist for division.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for weather.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, avoiding foliage; ensure water penetrates the root zone; allow excess water to drain away; water in the morning to reduce evaporation and fungal risk.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water regularly during spring and early summer when the plant is actively growing; reduce watering in late summer and fall as dormancy sets in; avoid overwatering during dormancy.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; mulch to retain moisture.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or flower bud drop.
Cold Stress
Slows growth and can cause root damage if temperatures drop below freezing without protection.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base; protect with frost cloth in extreme cold; ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; flowering may be reduced in excessive heat.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering; improve air circulation around the plant.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; avoid during dormancy; follow package instructions.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid high-nitrogen formulas; discontinue fertilizing during dormancy.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they ingest parts of Trollius europaeus. The plant's toxic compounds can cause irritation to the digestive tract, leading to discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Trollius europaeus can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. The plant's irritant compounds may cause discomfort but are generally not life-threatening unless consumed in large quantities.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicTrollius europaeus contains toxic compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress and skin irritation upon ingestion. The plant's toxic effects are primarily due to the presence of irritant substances that affect the digestive system and can cause mild dermatitis upon contact.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Trollius europaeus toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is mildly toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: Does Globe Flower attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.
Q: What are the common problems with Trollius europaeus?
A: Common issues include yellow leaves, wilting, and leaf spots.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Ranunculaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
