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Herbaceous Perennial

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

Other common names
Scotch lovage
sea lovage
see moresea parsley
Synonyms
Angelica sinensis 'Summer Delight'
Ligusticum 'Summer Delight'
see moreAngelica 'Summer Delight'
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer White Green
Autumn Green Yellow
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Apiaceae
Native to the UK
Yes
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

Get involved

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