Overview
Seseli is a clump forming, tufted, columnar upright annual biennial in the genus Seseli, part of the Apiaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Seseli grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and alkaline and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, gravel garden, cut flowers and flower borders and beds.
About
Seseli is a genus of herbaceous perennials within the Apiaceae family, known for their rigid grey-green leaves and compact clusters of white umbels on erect stems. These plants form clumps with a tufted, columnar upright habit and develop a woody base with a conical tap root. Suited to full sun and sheltered positions, they thrive in fertile, well-drained alkaline or neutral soils such as chalk, loam, or sand. Hardy to UK zone H7, Seseli is ideal for cottage and informal gardens, gravel gardens, flower borders, and as cut flowers, with interest in spring and summer.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Seseli
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Seseli size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Annual Biennial, Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming, Tufted, Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Cut flowers, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Seseli
- Propagation
- Seed
- Pest resistance
- Slugs and snails
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Seseli?
Seseli prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Seseli need?
Seseli is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It prefers alkaline and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Seseli hardy in the UK?
Seseli has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Seseli?
Seed.
More in the Seseli genus
- Seseli elatum osseum
- Seseli montanum subsp. montanum
- Seseli pallasii
- Seseli rigidum
- Seseli arenarium
- Seseli elatum subsp. osseum