Seseli libanotis (Moon carrot) — Columnar upright

Overview

Seseli libanotis is a columnar upright annual biennial in the genus Seseli, part of the Apiaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 1-2 years. Seseli libanotis 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 and flower borders and beds. It is native to Belgium, Flemish Region, Walloon Region and Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.

About

Seseli libanotis, commonly known as moon carrot or mountain spignel, is a herbaceous perennial in the Apiaceae family. It has a columnar upright habit and evergreen foliage, growing to between 0.5 and 1 metre in height with a spread of 0.1 to 0.5 metres. This plant thrives in full sun on south- or west-facing, sheltered sites with chalk, loam, or sandy soils that are moist but well-drained and have an alkaline to neutral pH. It reaches full height within 1 to 2 years and is of interest during spring and summer.

About the genus

Seseli is a genus of herbaceous perennial plants in the family Apiaceae. They are sometimes woody at base with a conic taproot. Leaf blades are 1–3-pinnate or pinnately decompound.

Wikipedia contributors, "Seseli", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Seseli

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Seseli

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH: Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained
Aspect: South-facing, West-facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H7

Plant details

Seseli libanotis size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Annual Biennial, Herbaceous Perennial
Habit: Columnar upright
Foliage: Evergreen
Height: 0.5-1 metres
Spread: 0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height: 1-2 years
Suggested uses: Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Flower borders and beds
Native to: Belgium, Flemish Region, Walloon Region, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Seseli libanotis

Propagation: Seed
Pest resistance: Slugs, Snails
Disease resistance: Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Seseli libanotis?

Seseli libanotis prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Seseli libanotis need?

Seseli libanotis 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 moist but well-drained.