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 cottage and informal garden, gravel garden, low maintenance and banks and slopes. It is native to Northern Europe and North-eastern North America.
About
Ligusticum scoticum, known as Scots lovage, or Scottish licorice-root, is a perennial flowering plant in the celery family, Apiaceae. It grows up to 60 centimetres (24 in) tall and is found in rock crevices and cliff-top grassland. It is closely related to, and possibly conspecific with, Ligusticum hultenii from the coast of the northern Pacific Ocean. Scots lovage is found near the coasts of northern Europe and north-eastern North America. It grows to around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, carrying deciduous foliage. Grow it in full sun and most soil types. It tolerates soil of any pH, well-drained conditions and south-facing and west-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Ligusticum scoticum
About the genus
Ligusticum is a genus of about 60 species of flowering plants in the family Apiaceae, native to cool temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Its name is believed to derive from the Italian region of Liguria.
Wikipedia contributors, "Ligusticum", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Ligusticum
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
- Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Low Maintenance, Banks and slopes
- Native to
- Northern Europe, North-eastern North America
- Fragrance
- Mildly aromatic, licorice-like scent
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Ligusticum scoticum
- Cultivation
- Prefers coastal conditions with good air circulation; avoid waterlogged soils; tolerates salt spray
- Pruning
- Remove dead or damaged foliage to maintain appearance; cut back after flowering to encourage fresh growth
- Propagation
- Seed, sown as soon as ripe in containers in a cold frame, or in spring with bottom heat at 18°C
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, Celery leaf-mining fly, Cuckoo spit
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Ligusticum scoticum?
Prefers coastal conditions with good air circulation; avoid waterlogged soils; tolerates salt spray.
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?
Remove dead or damaged foliage to maintain appearance; cut back after flowering to encourage fresh growth.
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 an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Ligusticum scoticum?
Seed, sown as soon as ripe in containers in a cold frame, or in spring with bottom heat at 18°C.
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