Overview
Myrrhis odorata is a columnar upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Myrrhis, part of the Apiaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 1.0 m tall. Myrrhis odorata grows best in partial shade, and tolerates loam soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include culinary and herbaceous perennial. It is native to Albania, Austria, France, Germany, Italy, NW. Balkan Pen., Spain and Switzerland.
About
Myrrhis odorata, with common names cicely, sweet cicely, myrrh, garden myrrh, and sweet chervil, is a herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the celery family Apiaceae. It is the only species in the genus Myrrhis.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Cicely
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Myrrhis
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Myrrhis odorata size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous perennial
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1.0 m
- Suggested uses
- Culinary, Herbaceous perennial
- Native to
- Albania, Austria, France, Germany, Italy, NW. Balkan Pen., Spain, Switzerland
- Fragrance
- Anise-like, sweet
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Myrrhis odorata
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, well-drained soil in partial shade; avoid waterlogged conditions; can be grown from seed sown in spring or autumn; division in spring is possible
- Pruning
- Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage fresh growth
- Propagation
- Seed, Division
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Myrrhis odorata?
Prefers moist, well-drained soil in partial shade; avoid waterlogged conditions; can be grown from seed sown in spring or autumn; division in spring is possible.
Where is the best place to plant Myrrhis odorata?
Myrrhis odorata prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Myrrhis odorata need?
Myrrhis odorata grows best in loam soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Myrrhis odorata?
Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage fresh growth.
How big does Myrrhis odorata grow?
Myrrhis odorata reaches a height of 1.0 m.
Is Myrrhis odorata hardy in the UK?
Myrrhis odorata has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Myrrhis odorata?
Seed, Division.