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Herbs - CulinaryHerbaceous Perennial

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

Other common names
bladderseed
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Chalk
Clay
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Green Yellow Green
Autumn
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical 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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