Patrinia gibbosa

Patrinia gibbosa, related to the garden Valerian, is one of those little-known and rarely planted perennials that possess the charm and robustness of wild plants. Its summer flowering, composed of numerous light umbels adorned with tiny bright yellow flowers, remains decorative even when the seeds form. Hardy and easy to grow in moist soil, it adds a radiant touch and a lot of lightness to flower beds and bushes, in partial shade or non-scorching sun.

Patrinia gibbosa is native to Japan. It belongs to the Caprifoliaceae family, not the Valerianaceae. It is a herbaceous plant with a perennial stump. It grows from spring, forming a vigorous, bushy and compact clump that reaches an average height of 40cm (16in) with a diameter of 30cm (12in). The clump consists of leafy stems of acidic green colour. The stems bear large entire leaves, measuring up to 15cm (6in), with a broadly ovate lamina that is slightly swollen and bordered by large teeth. Flowering takes place in July-August. From the foliage emerge branched and leafy flower stalks, reaching a height of 60cm (24in). At the end of each branching, a cymose inflorescence unfolds, measuring up to 10cm (4in) in diameter. It consists of tiny yellow flowers, highly honey-bearing and nectar-bearing. The above-ground vegetation is deciduous and dries up in winter. This Patrinia gibbosa can self-seed in slightly moist light soils.

Patrinia gibbosa is planted in flower beds or borders, preferably in partial shade and in good garden soils that are not too dry in summer. It accompanies many other perennials and bushes that appreciate the same environments: bellflowers, integrifolia clematis, foxgloves, Griffon's spurge, Himalayan cranesbill, Eupatoriums, and buttercups, for example. Its fresh or dried flowers can also be used in floral arrangements.