PATRINIA

Native to eastern Asia, these easy-to-grow, long-blooming perennials have yet to be discovered by many gardeners. The plants form mounds of deeply cut or lobed leaves that are typically medium green, up to 6 inches long. Nearly leafless blossom stalks rise from the foliage from mid- to late summer; these carry flat-topped clusters of tiny yellow or white flowers that attract butterflies and make a nice addition to both fresh and dried bouquets. Excellent in perennial borders. All appreciate rich, well-drained soil. Fanciers of daylilies (Hemerocallis) should avoid patrinias, however, as they are alternate hosts of daylily rust.

greater patrinia

patrinia gibbosa

• Compact, clump-forming plant to 1112 feet tall and about 1 feet wide, with coarsely toothed leaves and loose clusters of tiny yellow flowers.
• Full sun or partial shade.

patrinia, golden lace

patrinia scabiosifolia

• The showiest and most popular species.
• Grows 56 feet tall and 2 feet wide; may require staking.
• Finely divided leaves.
• Sparsely foliaged stalks and open clusters of lemon- yellow flowers give plant a see- through quality that makes it useful for either the front or back of the border.
• Looks nice in combination with asters, ironweed (Vernonia), Joe-pye weed (Eupatorium purpureum), and 'Indigo Spires' salvia.
• Nagoya grows only 23 feet tall.
• Full sun.

patrinia triloba

• Grows 1112 feet tall and spreads slowly to make a small-scale ground cover.
• Glossy, deep green leaves are 24 inches long and deeply divided into three to five lobes.
• Bears fragrant yellow flowers.
• Grows best in light shade.

white patrinia

patrinia villosa

• To 23 feet tall, 2 feet wide, with leaves that may or may not be divided.
• Showers of white blossoms over a long period.
• Spreads steadily but is not invasive.
• Full sun.