Globeflower Trollius europaeus
Globeflower (Trollius europaeus) is a deciduous perennial flowering plant in the Ranunculaceae family, native to Europe (damp meadows and mountains). It grows 40–70 cm (16–28 in) tall and 30–50 cm (12–20 in) wide, wants part sun to part shade and high water, and is hardy to about -34 °C (-29 °F). Space plants about 40 cm (16 in) apart.
Plan Globeflower in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Globeflower at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Ranunculaceae |
| Mature height | 40–70 cm (16–28 in) |
| Mature spread | 30–50 cm (12–20 in) |
| Spacing | 40 cm (16 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | High; drought tolerance none, waterlogging tolerance moderate |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About -34 °C (-29 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 28 °C (82 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Europe (damp meadows and mountains) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇳🇴 Norway, 🇷🇺 Russia, 🇩🇪 Germany |
Is Globeflower toxic?
- People: moderately toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: sap, foliage
Buttercup-family plant containing protoanemonin, which blisters skin and irritates the mouth and stomach.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Globeflower
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and high water.
See Globeflower in a botanical garden
It grows in these sample gardens, which you can walk through in 3D:
- China National Botanical Garden (6 plants)
- Arctic-Alpine Botanic Garden (12 plants)
- Kew: glasshouses and rock garden (12 plants)
Questions about Globeflower
- How far apart should I plant Globeflower?
- About 40 cm (16 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–50 cm (12–20 in).
- Does Globeflower need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Globeflower need?
- High water. Drought tolerance is none and waterlogging tolerance moderate.
- How cold-hardy is Globeflower?
- It tolerates about -34 °C (-29 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Globeflower flower?
- From about May for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Globeflower poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people moderately toxic. Buttercup-family plant containing protoanemonin, which blisters skin and irritates the mouth and stomach.
- What grows well with Globeflower?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Globeflower. Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (high).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- Poisonous plants of North Carolina / Plant Toolbox toxicity, NC State Extension
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
- Needs constantly moist soil and dislikes heat; wild populations are protected in some countries.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Hellebore (Lenten rose) Helleborus x hybridus
- Delphinium Delphinium elatum hybrids
- Common columbine Aquilegia vulgaris
- Japanese anemone Anemone hupehensis
- Larkspur Consolida ajacis
- Love-in-a-mist Nigella damascena
- Christmas rose Helleborus niger
- Persian buttercup Ranunculus asiaticus