Overview
Ligusticum scoticum is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Ligusticum, 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. Ligusticum scoticum grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is low maintenance. Suggested uses include coastal, cottage and informal garden and gravel garden. It is native to N Eur to E N US.
About
Ligusticum scoticum is a herbaceous perennial that can reach heights of up to 60 cm. Its foliage consists of glossy green leaves, each divided into three serrated leaflets. In summer, it produces domed clusters of small greenish-white flowers atop tall reddish stems, which are succeeded by yellow seedheads. This plant serves as a culinary herb, with all its parts being edible.
About the genus
Ligusticum comprises approximately 60 species of perennials found in the cool, temperate areas of the Northern Hemisphere. These plants develop dense clusters of shiny, feathery leaves and bear umbels of petite, white flowers during the months of June through August.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Ligusticum
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Ligusticum scoticum 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
- Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden
- Native to
- N Eur to E N US
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Ligusticum scoticum
- Cultivation
- Thrives in well-drained soil in full sun, in areas with cooler summers; dislikes excess heat
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed, sown as soon as ripe in containers in a cold frame, or in spring with bottom heat at 18°C
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to aphids, celery leaf-mining fly and cuckoo spit
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Ligusticum scoticum?
Thrives in well-drained soil in full sun, in areas with cooler summers; dislikes excess heat.
Where is the best place to plant Ligusticum scoticum?
Ligusticum scoticum prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Ligusticum scoticum need?
Ligusticum scoticum is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How do I prune Ligusticum scoticum?
No pruning required.
How big does Ligusticum scoticum grow?
Ligusticum scoticum 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 Ligusticum scoticum hardy in the UK?
Ligusticum scoticum has a UK hardiness rating of H7.
How do I propagate Ligusticum scoticum?
Propagate by seed, sown as soon as ripe in containers in a cold frame, or in spring with bottom heat at 18°C.