About
Reseda lutea, wild mignonette, is a biennial or short-lived perennial to 70 cm producing upright stems with narrow, deeply lobed, wavy-edged leaves and slender spikes of tiny, four to six-petalled, fragrant, yellow-green flowers from June to September. An ornamental wildflower for a sunny, well-drained border or wildflower meadow.
About the genus
Reseda, the mignonettes, are annuals, biennials or short-lived perennials with narrow, often lobed leaves and slender, tapering spikes of fragrant, yellow-green or white flowers attractive to bees. Grown in sunny, well-drained borders.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toEurope, N Africa, SW Asia
Care notes
CultivationGrow in well-drained, moderately fertile preferably neutral to alkaline soil in full sun or part shade
PruningDeadhead to prolong flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed in early spring or autumn, in cold areas provide cloche protection for autumn sown seedlings
Pest resistanceGenerally pest free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free