Levisticum officinale
lovage
A hairless perennial to 2m in height and 1m width; with mid- to dark-green, 2- to 3-pinnate leaves and yellow-green flowers in summer, which are followed by aromatic seeds. The plant is celery-scented and often used as a culinary herb
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Apiaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Genus
Levisticum are upright perennials with pinnately divided, strongly aromatic, leaves and small greenish-yellow flowers in large umbels in summer
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- E Mediterranean
How to grow
Cultivation
Will tolerate most soils but prefers, deep, fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun. See lovage cultivation for more advice
Propagation
Propagate by seed or division in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Cut back old foliage in autumn
Pests
May be susceptible to slugs and snails and and celery leaf miner
Diseases
May be susceptible to celery leaf spot
Get involved
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