Patrinia scabiosifolia 'Nagoya'

Flowers

• Appearance: The flowers are small, vibrant yellow, and star-shaped, clustered into airy, flat-topped umbels that rise above the foliage on slender, branching stems. The blooms give a delicate, lacy texture that contrasts beautifully with coarser garden plants.
• Bloom Time: Blooms from mid to late summer, often extending into early fall, creating a long-lasting display of color in the garden.
• Fragrance: Mildly sweet, adding a subtle sensory element to its visual appeal.
• Attractiveness: Highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making it an excellent choice for wildlife-friendly gardens.

Foliage

• Appearance: The leaves form a low, basal rosette of deeply lobed, mid-green foliage reminiscent of scabious leaves, giving the plant its name. Stem leaves are smaller and arranged alternately along the tall, upright stems.
• Texture: Smooth and slightly glossy, providing a soft, feathery contrast to the bold yellow flowers.
• Seasonality: Foliage remains attractive throughout the growing season, adding interest even before and after the bloom period. In the fall, the leaves may take on subtle golden tones before dying back.

The combination of vibrant yellow flowers and elegant, textured foliage makes Patrinia scabiosifolia 'Nagoya' a standout in borders, naturalized plantings, or pollinator gardens.

Planting Requirements

• Light: Prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade, especially in warmer climates. Full sun ensures the best flowering and compact growth.
• Soil: Thrives in well-draining, moderately fertile soil. Adaptable to a range of soil types, from sandy to loamy, as long as drainage is adequate.
• Planting Time: Best planted in spring or fall when temperatures are mild to allow for strong root development.

Watering

• Keep soil consistently moist during the first growing season to establish roots.
• Once established, Patrinia is drought-tolerant but performs best with occasional deep watering during prolonged dry periods.

Fertilization

• Fertilize sparingly. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring if soil is poor.
• Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage at the expense of flowers.

Pruning

• Deadhead spent flowers to encourage prolonged blooming and prevent self-seeding if not desired.
• Cut back the plant to the ground in late fall or early spring to promote healthy regrowth.

Pests and Diseases

• Generally pest- and disease-free. Monitor for occasional issues like aphids or slugs, which can be managed with insecticidal soap or organic deterrents.
• Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases in humid climates.

Growth Habit and Size

• Upright, clumping growth habit with slender, branching stems.
• Grows to approximately 3–4 feet tall and 2–3 feet wide, making it an excellent choice for the middle or back of a perennial border.

Special Features

• Flowers: Delicate, bright yellow umbels of tiny star-shaped flowers bloom from mid to late summer, creating a lacy, airy texture. They attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
• Foliage: Basal rosettes of deeply lobed, mid-green leaves resemble those of scabious, providing textural interest even when not in bloom.

Companion Planting

• Pairs well with ornamental grasses, coneflowers, and other summer-blooming perennials to create a dynamic, meadow-like effect.

Winter Care

• Hardy in USDA zones 5–8. In colder climates, apply a layer of mulch in late fall to protect the roots from freeze-thaw cycles.
• In milder climates, the plant will overwinter easily and return robustly in spring.