About
Sanicula europaea, sanicle, is a native perennial to 60 cm with glossy, coarsely toothed, dark-green, lobed leaves and pinkish or greenish-white flowers in tight, spherical umbels from late spring to summer, followed by bristly fruits. A rewarding and ornamental native woodland perennial for a shaded, moist border.
About the genus
Sanicula are woodland perennial herbs to about 60 cm with lobed, glossy, green leaves and small, pinkish flowers in tight umbels, followed by bristly fruits that cling to passing animals and clothing. Native to woodland habitats in the Northern Hemisphere.
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand, Clay
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesWildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moist but well-drained soil, best in dappled shade but sun tolerant; ideal for woodland groundcover
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed in autumn or by division in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free