Reseda lutea

RHS Plant Profile
wild mignonette

Other common names

base rocket, crambling rocket, cut-leaved mignonette, Italian rocket, perllys

Plants for pollinators
Annual Biennial

Upright biennial to 1.5m tall and wide, with linear to lance-shaped dark green leaves to 10cm long, with wavy margins, and bearing long narrow, vertical racemes of tiny 4-petalled yellowish-green flowers in summer

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Resedaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Genus
Reseda can be annuals or perennials, with simple or pinnately lobed leaves and small, star-shaped flowers in dense racemes in summer and autumn
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Europe, N Africa, SW Asia

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained, moderately fertile preferably neutral to alkaline soil in full sun or part shade

Propagation

Propagate by seed in early spring or autumn, in cold areas provide cloche protection for autumn sown seedlings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Deadhead to prolong flowering

Pests

Generally pest free

Diseases

Generally disease-free