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Patrinia spp.

golden lace

Caprifoliaceae East Asia

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Deer Resistant

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterMedium

HardinessZones 4–8

Overview

Patrinia spp. is a genus of about 20 herbaceous perennials in the honeysuckle family (Caprifoliaceae), native to East Asia and grown for their airy clusters of small flowers in late summer and autumn. Depending on species, plants form basal clumps of lobed or pinnately divided leaves and send up branched stems 1-6 ft (0.3-1.8 m) tall, the tallest being P. scabiosifolia with its flat-topped sprays of tiny yellow flowers. Other species, such as P. triloba and P. gibbosa, are lower and bear softer yellow heads. The flowers are nectar-rich and draw bees and other insects, and the foliage of some species gives off a sharp scent when bruised. Blooming runs from midsummer into autumn, filling a gap after early perennials fade. Plants are hardy and grow readily in moist, well-drained soil but can self-seed freely. The tall species may need support in rich ground or wind.

Native Range

Patrinia spp. is native to East Asia, including Japan, Korea, China, and eastern Siberia, where species grow in mountain meadows, grassy slopes, woodland clearings, and streamsides. Several are long established in traditional medicine and cooking in the region.

Suggested Uses

Patrinia spp. is used in mixed borders, prairie and naturalistic plantings, and cut-flower gardens, where the tall yellow heads weave between grasses and late perennials. Plants are spaced 18-24 in (45-60 cm) apart. The airy form layers in front of or among bolder autumn flowers.

How to Identify

Identify Patrinia spp. by its branched, wiry stems topped with broad, flat sprays of many tiny yellow (rarely white) flowers in late summer. The basal leaves are lobed or pinnately cut, and the bruised foliage or roots of some species smell sharp or musty. The tall, see-through flower heads of P. scabiosifolia resemble a yellow form of Achillea spp. or Foeniculum spp. at a distance.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1' - 6'

Width/Spread1' - 2'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~8 weeks

Summer Fall

Flowering occurs from midsummer to autumn, generally July to September, on long-lasting branched heads. The many small yellow flowers open over 4-8 weeks and are followed by winged seeds. The bloom fills the late-season period between summer and fall perennials.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Yellow (rarely white)

Foliage Description

Green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 4-10 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam clay sand

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2-3 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Patrinia spp. grows in full sun to part shade in moist, fertile, well-drained soil across a pH of 5.5-7.0. The genus is hardy through USDA zones 4-8 and grows readily where summers are not too dry, though plants wilt in prolonged drought. Tall species, especially P. scabiosifolia, may lean in rich soil or wind and are staked or grown among supporting neighbors. Plants self-seed readily, so seedlings are thinned or removed where spread is unwanted. Clumps are divided in spring every few years to keep them vigorous. Few pests or diseases affect the genus.

Pruning

Patrinia spp. is cut back to the base in late autumn or winter once the stems brown. Spent flower heads may be removed before seed sets to curb self-sowing, or left to stand for winter structure and seed-eating birds. No other pruning is needed.