Trollius × cultorum (globeflower) — perennial

Overview

Trollius × cultorum is a perennial in the genus Trollius, part of the Ranunculaceae family. Trollius × cultorum grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and neutral and acidic pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, water gardens and cut flowers.

About

Trollius × cultorum is a perennial in the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae) grown for garden and cut-flower use. It flowers from May to July. Plants prefer full sun to partial shade in moist, rich, well‑drained soils of neutral to acidic reaction. It is hardy to H5 and is toxic if ingested.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Trollius × cultorum

About the genus

Trollius is a genus of about 30 species of flowering plants closely related to Ranunculus, in the family Ranunculaceae. The common name of some species is globeflower or globe flower. The generic name is derived from the Swiss-German word "Trollblume", meaning a rounded flower.

Wikipedia contributors, "Trollius", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Trollius

In the garden

Trollius × cultorum, the globeflower, is a perennial member of Ranunculaceae valued in temperate gardens for its early-summer display and suitability for moist sites. Flowering occurs from May to July, a useful window for adding cut stems to season-long arrangements. The species name indicates its garden origin and the plant is widely cultivated for borders, water gardens and as a source of cut flowers. Place globeflowers where they receive full sun or light afternoon shade and where soil remains consistently moist. They favour rich, moisture-retaining but well‑drained ground with a neutral to acidic pH; dry, free‑draining borders will limit their performance. Hardiness rating H5 equates to a hardy plant across much of the UK, so plants normally survive winter outdoors without special protection. Use Trollius × cultorum at the back of perennial borders, on the margins of ponds and water features, or in a dedicated moist-bed mixed with other moisture-tolerant perennials. Its May–July flowering period makes it particularly valuable for mid-summer cutting and for filling the gap between late-spring and high-summer perennials.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Trollius

Sunlight: full sun, partial shade
Soil type: moist, rich, well-drained
Soil pH: neutral, acidic
Soil moisture: moist
UK hardiness: H5

Plant details

Trollius × cultorum size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: perennial
Suggested uses: borders, water gardens, cut flowers
Toxicity: Toxic if ingested

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Trollius × cultorum

Cultivation: Prefers moist, humus-rich soil in full sun or partial shade. Avoid dry conditions.
Pruning: Remove spent flowers to encourage further blooming.
Propagation: Division in spring or autumn, seed

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Trollius × cultorum?

Prefers moist, humus-rich soil in full sun or partial shade. Avoid dry conditions.

Where is the best place to plant Trollius × cultorum?

Trollius × cultorum prefers full sun and partial shade.

What soil does Trollius × cultorum need?

Trollius × cultorum is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including moist, rich and well-drained. It prefers neutral and acidic soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.