Fumaria officinalis

RHS Plant Profile
common fumitory

Other common names

wax dolls, mwy-y-ddaear cyffredin

Annual Biennial

A scrambling, herbaceous annual, commonly found on farmland and waste ground in the countryside, with small, deeply divided grey-green foliage. Upright spikes of pink flowers with dark crimson red tips appear from April to October. Often seen as a weed in gardens, but a food source for some insects and birds

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1 year
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Papaveraceae
Native to GB/Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Trailing
Genus
Name Status
Correct

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in light, well-drained soil in a sunny location. Has the potential to become a nuisance if left unmanaged in some gardens, but can be easily removed by hand

Propagation

Propagate by seed. Self-seeds freely as self-fertile

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Wildlife gardens

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free