Ligusticum scoticum
Scots lovage
A herbaceous perennial, up to 60cm high, with glossy green leaves divided into three toothed leaflets. Domed clusters of tiny greenish-white flowers are borne on tall reddish stems in summer, followed by yellow seedheads. Used as a culinary herb; all parts of the plant are edible
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | Yellow | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Apiaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
Ligusticum is a genus of around 60 species of perennials native to cool, temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Forming compact clumps of glossy green, feathery foliage, they produce umbels of small, white flowers between June and August.
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- N Eur to E N US
How to grow
Cultivation
Thrives in well-drained soil in full sun, in areas with cooler summers; dislikes excess heat
Propagation
Propagate by seed, sown as soon as ripe in containers in a cold frame, or in spring with bottom heat at 18°C
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Gravel garden
- Low Maintenance
- Banks and slopes
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids, celery leaf-mining fly and cuckoo spit
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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