About
Reseda luteola, weld or dyer's mignonette, is a biennial to 1 m or more producing a rosette of narrow, entire, wavy-edged leaves and tall, slender spikes of tiny, four-petalled, yellow flowers. Historically used as a source of yellow dye. An ornamental and historic wildflower for a sunny, well-drained border.
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 pHNeutral, Alkaline
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Wildflower meadow
Care notes
CultivationGrow in well-drained, preferably alkaline soil in full sun or part shade
PruningDeadhead if seeds are not required
PropagationPropagate by seed, sown in situ in autumn for flowers the following summer. Do not cover, seeds need light to germinate. In colder areas, seedlings may need to be protected with a cloche over winter. Plants will self-seed in place; transplant with care as they dislike root disturbance
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free