About

Chaerophyllum hirsutum is a perennial that grows in an upright manner, forming clumps. It features finely dissected, fern-like foliage that emits a pleasant apple fragrance. From late spring through mid-summer, it produces clusters of white flowers in umbels.

About the genus

Chaerophyllum consists of perennial plants that develop a taproot system. They feature finely dissected leaves resembling ferns and produce clusters of small flowers, which can be white or pink.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type
Clay, Loam
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
Aspect
South-facing, East-facing, North-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H7

Plant details

Plant type
Herbaceous Perennial
Habit
Bushy
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
Native to
Europe
Fragrance
Foliage

Care notes

Cultivation
Grow in a fertile, moist soil in sun or partial shade
Pruning
Cut down after flowering
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame as soon as ripe or in early spring
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to slugs, snails and aphids
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to powdery mildews