Overview
Bunium bulbocastanum is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Bunium, part of the Apiaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Bunium bulbocastanum grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and alkaline and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, wildflower meadow, wildlife gardens and flower borders and beds. It is native to Belgium, Walloon Region, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and Portugal Continental.
About
Bunium bulbocastanum, commonly known as great pignut, is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the Apiaceae family. It grows to a height of 0.5 to 1 metre with a spread of 0.1 to 0.5 metres, reaching full height within 2 to 5 years. This deciduous plant thrives in full sun or partial shade, favouring east, south, or west-facing aspects in both exposed and sheltered locations. It prefers moist but well-drained or well-drained alkaline to neutral soils such as chalk, loam, or sand. Native to parts of Belgium, Luxembourg, and Portugal, it is of interest during spring and summer.
About the genus
Bunium is a genus of flowering plants in the family Apiaceae, with 45 to 50 species.
Wikipedia contributors, "Bunium", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Bunium
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Bunium
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Bunium bulbocastanum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens, Flower borders and beds
- Native to
- Belgium, Walloon Region, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Portugal Continental
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Bunium bulbocastanum
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist but well-drained alkaline to neutral soils; tolerates full sun to partial shade; suitable for naturalistic and wildflower gardens
- Propagation
- Seed, Division
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Bunium bulbocastanum?
Prefers moist but well-drained alkaline to neutral soils; tolerates full sun to partial shade; suitable for naturalistic and wildflower gardens.
Where is the best place to plant Bunium bulbocastanum?
Bunium bulbocastanum prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Bunium bulbocastanum need?
Bunium bulbocastanum is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It prefers alkaline and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
How big does Bunium bulbocastanum grow?
Bunium bulbocastanum reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Bunium bulbocastanum hardy in the UK?
Bunium bulbocastanum has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Bunium bulbocastanum?
Seed, Division.
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