Description
This uncommon perennial is known by the common name golden lace, golden valerian, or simply patrinia. Open umbels of small, bright yellow flowers bloom in late summer to early fall atop 4- to 6-foot-tall stems. They look terrific with the rich purple blooms of ironweeds (Vernonia) or softer purple Brazilian vervain (Verbena bonariensis), as well as tall, orange-flowered companions like sulfur cosmos (Cosmos suphureus) and Mexican sunflower (Tithonia rotundifolia). As a bonus feature, the leaves turn shades of orange and red in fall. Full sun to partial shade. Reportedly hardy in Zones 4 to 9. Golden lace is likely to self-sow if not deadheaded (which can also encourage late rebloom).
For more information on this beautiful perennial, please visit the post “One Plant, Three Seasons: Patrinia scabiosifolia” on my blog.
Harvested in October 2021. At least 25 seeds.
Please read the germination information as well before ordering.
Claire Casstevens (verified owner) –
I had tons of success sowing this earlier in the summer as well as a few weeks ago.
elizabeth strianese (verified owner) –
Because I am relatively new to seed sowing perennials and those requiring scarification, I was a little worried about Patrinia scabiosifolia. However, I followed Nan’s advice and scattered these seeds over the surface of some potting soil in a 6″ plastic pot and left them on my front porch all winter (protected from heavy wind and rodents). Come spring, I watered the pot periodically hoping to see little green sprigs. Happily, they emerged all bright-eyed and bushy tailed and I was able to transplant them to larger pots a few weeks later. Don’t be deterred by this method of seed starting! It just takes patience.