About
Ligusticum scoticum, Scots lovage, is a hairless perennial to 60 cm with glossy-green leaves divided into three toothed leaflets, all parts edible and celery-flavoured. Domed clusters of tiny, greenish-white flowers are borne on tall, reddish stems in summer, followed by yellow seedheads. A rewarding native plant for a coastal or exposed, sunny, well-drained border.
About the genus
Ligusticum are clump-forming perennials in the carrot family (Apiaceae) with glossy green, feathery, often aromatic foliage and umbels of small, white or greenish-yellow flowers in summer. Native to cool temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden
Native toN Eur to E N US
Care notes
CultivationThrives in well-drained soil in full sun, in areas with cooler summers; dislikes excess heat
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed, sown as soon as ripe in containers in a cold frame, or in spring with bottom heat at 18°C
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, celery leaf-mining fly and cuckoo spit
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free