Overview
Molopospermum peloponnesiacum is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Molopospermum, part of the Apiaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 1-1.5 metres tall and 1-1.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Molopospermum peloponnesiacum grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include architectural, cottage and informal garden, prairie planting and wildflower meadow. It is native to Southern Europe and particularly the Peloponnese region of Greece.
About
Molopospermum peloponnesiacum, commonly known as striped hemlock, is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the Apiaceae family. It grows to a height and spread of 1 to 1.5 metres, reaching full size within 2 to 5 years. This deciduous plant thrives in full sun or partial shade, favouring east, south, or west-facing aspects in both exposed and sheltered locations. It prefers moist but well-drained or well-drained soils, including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, with acid to neutral pH. Its main seasons of interest are spring and summer.
About the genus
Molopospermum is a monotypic genus of flowering plants belonging to the family Apiaceae. The single species, Molopospermum peleponnesiacum, Spanish: cuscullo, French couscouil and Rousillonais Catalan coscoll is native to the mountains of Spain, southern France and Italy and is edible, being used in ways similar to its better-known fellow umbellifers celery and angelica and also believed to have tonic properties.
Wikipedia contributors, "Molopospermum", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Molopospermum
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Molopospermum
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Molopospermum peloponnesiacum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1-1.5 metres
- Spread
- 1-1.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, Cottage and informal garden, Prairie planting, Wildflower meadow
- Native to
- Southern Europe, particularly the Peloponnese region of Greece
- Fragrance
- Mild, aromatic scent
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Molopospermum peloponnesiacum
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, well-drained soils in full sun or partial shade; tolerates a range of soil types and pH levels; benefits from protection from strong winds in exposed sites.
- Pruning
- Remove dead or damaged foliage in early spring; cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage fresh growth.
- Propagation
- Seed, sown in containers in a cold frame in autumn
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Molopospermum peloponnesiacum?
Prefers moist, well-drained soils in full sun or partial shade; tolerates a range of soil types and pH levels; benefits from protection from strong winds in exposed sites.
Where is the best place to plant Molopospermum peloponnesiacum?
Molopospermum peloponnesiacum prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Molopospermum peloponnesiacum need?
Molopospermum peloponnesiacum is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
How do I prune Molopospermum peloponnesiacum?
Remove dead or damaged foliage in early spring; cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage fresh growth.
How big does Molopospermum peloponnesiacum grow?
Molopospermum peloponnesiacum reaches a height of 1-1.5 metres and a spread of 1-1.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Molopospermum peloponnesiacum hardy in the UK?
Molopospermum peloponnesiacum has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Molopospermum peloponnesiacum?
Seed, sown in containers in a cold frame in autumn.