Overview
Levisticum officinale is a plant with a columnar upright habit in the genus Levisticum, part of the Apiaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Levisticum officinale grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens and flower borders and beds.
About
Lovage is a perennial plant, the sole species in the genus Levisticum in the family Apiaceae, subfamily Apioideae. It is native to Afghanistan and Iran.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Lovage
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Levisticum
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam, Chalk, Clay, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Levisticum officinale size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Levisticum officinale
- Propagation
- Seed, Division in spring
- Pest resistance
- Slugs and snails, Celery leaf miner
- Disease resistance
- Celery leaf spot
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Levisticum officinale?
Levisticum officinale prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Levisticum officinale need?
Levisticum officinale is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including loam, chalk, clay and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Levisticum officinale hardy in the UK?
Levisticum officinale has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Levisticum officinale?
Seed, Division in spring.