Trollius chinensis 'Golden Queen' – Majestic orange-golden calyxes for the garden and border

Trollius chinensis 'Golden Queen' is one of the most beloved and striking ornamental plants for damp gardens and natural borders. This beautiful perennial from the buttercup family is known for its large, orange-gold flowers, whose graceful, veined petals and long stamens create an almost exotic appearance. 'Golden Queen' adds color, height, and elegance to any garden and, thanks to its reliability and prolific flowering, is an absolute favorite among garden enthusiasts, landscapers, and garden designers.

Origin and characteristics of Trollius chinensis

Trollius chinensis originates from Asia, where it grows in damp meadows, forest edges, and mountainous areas. The cultivar 'Golden Queen' was selected for its striking flower shape and intense, warm orange-yellow color that brightens the garden, even on cloudy days.

Key Features:

• Botanical name: Trollius chinensis

• Cultivar: 'Golden Queen'

• Color: Orange gold, warm and intense

• Height: 80–120 cm

• Flowering: May – July (sometimes re-flowering with sufficient moisture)

• Location: Sun to partial shade, preferably moist

• Use: Border plant, pond edge, cut flower

The flowers resemble graceful calyxes, often half-open, leaving the long stamens visible. This gives them the elegant, almost exotic appearance for which this plant is known.

Location and care

'Golden Queen' loves moisture and thrives in places where the soil never dries out completely. Think of pond edges, marshy areas, or a well-drained but consistently moist border. The plant tolerates both full sun and light shade, but blooms most profusely in a sunny spot with plenty of water.

Care tips for optimal growth:

• Choose a moist, humus-rich soil.

• Plant in sun or partial shade; in sun, extra water is essential.

• Apply compost annually for healthy, vigorous growth.

• Remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming.

• Protect from dehydration during hot, dry summers.

Trollius chinensis 'Golden Queen' is a strong, hardy perennial that returns larger and fuller year after year. In cold winters, the above-ground portion dies back, after which the plant sprouts vigorously again in spring.

Application in the garden

With its tall stems and large flowers, 'Golden Queen' makes an impressive addition to the border. The plant is at its best in damp garden situations, such as:

• at a pond edge

• in a natural forest garden

• in a cottage garden

• in a natural or wild border

Its striking colour makes it work beautifully with plants such as:

• Iris sibirica

• Ligularia

• Filipendula

• Hosta

• Persicaria amplexicaulis

The tall flowers attract many bees and other beneficial insects, making the plant a valuable contribution to biodiversity in the garden.

Perfect cut flower

Besides its use in the garden, Trollius chinensis 'Golden Queen' is also popular as a cut flower. Its sturdy stems and unique flower shape create striking accents in floral arrangements. The warm orange color complements natural, summery arrangements and combines beautifully with greenery and soft pastel shades.

Why choose Trollius chinensis 'Golden Queen'?

Anyone looking for a plant that adds color, height, and a touch of the exotic to damp borders will find 'Golden Queen' a perfect choice. It's reliable, strong, hardy, and blooms profusely—even in places where other plants struggle to thrive. Its warm, striking color instantly adds ambiance and life to the garden. Moreover, it's low-maintenance and attracts many pollinators.