Culture
Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soil in full sun. Prefers rich, humusy soils. Tolerant of hot and humid summers.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Patrinia scabiosifolia is a clump-forming plant which typically forms a 1-1.5' tall, basal mound of deeply toothed, oblong to ovate leaves which resemble those of Scabiosa. Sparsely-leaved stems topped with open, airy, terminal, corymbose panicles of tiny, chrome-yellow flowers rise from the foliage mound to a height of 4-6' in summer. Coarsely toothed stem leaves are pinnately divided. Long summer bloom period.
Genus name honors Eugene L. M. Patrin (1724-1815), French mineralogist who travelled from 1780 to 1787 in Siberia and elsewhere in Asia and collected plants as well as minerals.
Specific epithet means with leaves like Scabiosa.
'Nagoya' is almost identical to the species, except it is lower growing. It typically forms a 9-15" tall, compact, basal mound.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems. Longer flower stems may need some support.
Uses
Best in borders. Good accent value.