About
A hardy, evergreen, clump-forming Korean perennial to around 140cm in height, with glossy, dark green, divided leaves and large, wide-topped umbels of white flowers on tall stems, appearing in July to September and loved by pollinators. Its flavour is a mixture of celery and lovage, and it can be harvested from Autumn through to Spring, even in cold winters. Also makes a great ornamental plant. The nutritious leaves and stalks can be used in soups or stews, and the leaves make a great alternative to flat-leaved parsley for pasta dishes.
About the genus
Dystaenia is a genus of plants encompassing species that may be herbaceous, shrubby, or woody. They are grown for their ornamental flowers, foliage, or fruit, and vary in hardiness and cultural requirements
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens
Native toSouth Korea (Ulleungdo)
Care notes
CultivationPlant in moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil in sun or part shade
PruningCut back after flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed in autumn. Pots can be kept inside or outside over winter and will germinate in the spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs, snails and aphids when young