© I, KENPEI, some rights reserved (CC-BY-SA) · Wikimedia Commons
Patrinia scabiosifolia
golden lace
E Asia (Japan, Korea, E China, E Siberia; meadows, grasslands, open woodland edges)
Overview
Patrinia scabiosifolia is a deciduous, clump-forming perennial reaching 3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 m) tall with a spread of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 m) and an upright, open habit with airy branching stems. Native to eastern Asia, this member of the Caprifoliaceae produces flat-topped to domed clusters of tiny, bright golden-yellow flowers on slender, wiry stems from July to September. The opposite, pinnately lobed to compound basal leaves are 3-6 inches (8-15 cm) long, deeply divided, dark green, with an appearance similar to scabiosa (hence the specific epithet). The flower heads are 3-6 inches (8-15 cm) across, composed of many tiny 4-lobed flowers. Growth rate is fast. Hardy to zone 4. The tall, airy stems and golden-yellow flower heads create a see-through effect in borders. Self-seeds freely in favorable conditions and may become weedy.
Native Range
Patrinia scabiosifolia is native to eastern Asia—Japan, Korea, eastern China, and eastern Siberia—in meadows, grasslands, and open woodland edges.Suggested Uses
Planted in borders, meadow-style plantings, or naturalized areas at 18-24 inch (45-60 cm) spacing. The tall airy golden-yellow flowers create a see-through screen effect—pairs well with grasses. Self-seeds freely—may become weedy in favorable conditions. Stems may lean in shade or rich soil. Not suitable for formal borders where self-seeding is problematic.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 6'
Width/Spread2' - 3'
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Flat-topped to domed clusters 3-6 inches (8-15 cm) across of tiny bright golden-yellow 4-lobed flowers on wiry stems, July-September. Bloom duration is 6-8 weeks. Dried seed heads persist into autumn.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Bright golden-yellow; tiny 4-lobed in flat-topped clusters 3-6 inches; wiry stems; Jul-SepFoliage Description
Dark green; pinnately lobed to compound basal leaves 3-6 inches; deeply divided; scabiosa-likeGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant in full sun to partial shade in average, well-drained soil (pH 5.5-7.5). Hardy to zone 4. Tolerates a range of soils. Full sun produces the sturdiest stems—in shade, stems may lean or require support. Self-seeds freely—deadhead to prevent unwanted spreading. Cut back in late autumn or early spring.Pruning
Cut back all stems to ground level in late autumn or early spring. Deadhead spent flower clusters to prevent self-seeding if spread is not desired. No other pruning needed.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early spring