About
A bushy annual to around 60cm high, with finely dissected, fern-like green leaves that are aromatic when crushed. Broad, dome-shaped heads of tiny white flowers are produced in summer, followed by long pods of seeds which can be used as a spice in cooking.
About the genus
Pimpinella can be annuals, biennials or herbaceous perennials with simple or pinnately divided leaves and branched umbels of tiny flowers
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1 year
Suggested usesPatio and container plants
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationThrives in a sunny position in fertile, moist but well-drained loamy soil. Plants may need staking to keep seed pods off the ground (see staking perennials)
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed, ideally sown in situ after risk of frosts has passed, as plants dislike transplanting and root disturbance. In areas where the season is not long enough for seeds to ripen, plants may be started under glass in individual pots, though it is best to sow extra to allow for losses in planting out
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, slugs, snails and mice
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews and downy mildews