Patrinia scabiosifolia

GOLDEN LACE

Patrinia scabiosifolia
GOLDEN LACE

The common name of “Golden Lace” is just right for Patrinia scabiosifolia.

Flower heads of fine golden lace

Because the flower heads are indeed like fine, golden lace.
Made up of a myriad of tiny flowers in fine, slightly domed heads

Lacy heads on tall wiry stems

Patrinia scabiosifolia makes a permanent clump of foliage at the base, then towers up with the wiry flower stems all over summer.
It is a very showy plant when in bloom, and no trouble to have all year.

Lovely floristry flowers with long clean stems 

The flower stems reach 1.2m. or even higher in good conditions.
With almost clean stems – so they are so easy to harvest and prepare for floristry.

Long blooming through summer & autumn

Golden Lace keeps producing tall and airy heads for a very long blooming season, all over summer and autumn.
And the more you cut the more it makes.

Stunning (& easy) “back of the bed” feature

Patrinia scabiosifolia is so easy to have as an eye-grabber at the back of the flower bed.
It is tall and graceful, and reliably soars up each summer to make a lacy, transparent veil of colour at the back.
And sets off more solid flowers beautifully.

Reliably there each year

Then over winter it retreats to its low, evergreen foliage clump, ready to do it all again next summer.
The botanical name of “scabiosifolia” literally means “leaves like a Scabious” – broad and handsome, deeply toothed and in a neat, low clump – just like a Scabiosa.

Water-wise & low maintenance

Patrinia scabiosifolia is not a thirsty plant, and will grow well on just average garden watering.
Likewise it is not demanding of about soil, doing well on average garden soil.
And in a range of soil pH – on either side of neutral.

Tall but not wide

But if you give it more humus, compost, or mulch, then you will create a very lofty tower of Golden Lace indeed.
In richer conditions it can easily reach 1.5m. or more, but the clump below remains only about 30cm. wide.
It is spectacular mass planted.

Tolerates heat & humidity in full sun

Hardy Patrinia scabiosifolia is naturally adapted to hot and humid summers.
And thrives in full sun positions.

Not troubled by pests & diseases

Golden Lace is rarely if ever troubled by any pests or diseases.
It is an easy and trouble free plant to grow.

Rabbit & deer resistant

Fortunately rabbits and deer are not attracted to Patrinia and usually pass by on their way to tastier fodder.

Edible & an ancient medicine

The fresh young leaves and flower buds are used today as a vegetable in stews, casseroles and soups.
While Patrinia has been valued in traditional Asian medicine as an antibacterial, healing herb .

SEED SOWING ADVICE: QUICK & EASY

Seeds of Patrinia scabiosifolia can be sown at any time indoors when suitable temperatures can be provided (approx. 20°C)
OR
Scattered directly in the garden in late winter.

Sow Indoors for early plants: First sow the seeds in a punnet on the surface of good quality seed raising mix.
Now gently pat the seeds to the surface to ensure good contact.
Then barely cover with sieved mix or fine sandy grit / fine vermiculite – because these seeds need light to germinate.
So not cover too deeply, just a sprinkling.

Now thoroughly moisten the sown punnet by standing it in a shallow water bath.
And allowing the moisture to percolate up to the surface of the mix from below.

You can now just allow nature to take its course by placing the sown moist punnet in a warm, well-lit position (not in any direct sunlight).
Or you can greatly enhance germination rates by providing a period of cold first.

A period of cold now will enhance germination rates

So wrap the sown, moist punnet in cling-wrap or a plastic bag.
And place in the fridge (not freezer) for 2-4 weeks.

After the period of chilling, remove, unwrap, re-moisten.
Then place punnet in a warm, well-lit position (not in any direct sunlight).

Temperatures of 18-22°C approx. are best for rapid and optimum germination.
You can use a heat mat if you have one, but it is not essential as these seeds are quick and willing germinators.

Continue to keep consistently moist by misting regularly from a spray water-bottle.
Placing a plastic lid or bag over the sown punnet will help to maintain consistent moisture.

Seedlings emerge in approx. 14-28 days.

Scatter seeds directly in the garden:
Scatter in winter while there are still frosts to give the seeds the period of winter chilling.

Seed Count: 15 seeds per pack approx.
(We always aim to exceed the stated seed count and give a generous serve).

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