Overview
Seseli montanum subsp. montanum is a clump forming, tufted, columnar upright annual biennial in the genus Seseli, part of the Apiaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Seseli montanum subsp. montanum 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 montanum subsp. montanum is a clump-forming member of the Apiaceae with a columnar, tufted habit and a variable life-cycle (annual, biennial or herbaceous perennial). The foliage is deciduous and plants produce flowers in the UK from July to September. It favours full sun on well-drained chalk, loam or sandy soils with neutral to alkaline pH and prefers a south- or west-facing, sheltered spot. Suited to gravel gardens, informal and cottage borders, and as a source of cut flowers.
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
In the garden
Seseli montanum subsp. montanum sits within the Apiaceae and combines a narrow, upright profile with clump-forming growth; plants may behave as annuals or biennials or persist as herbaceous perennials. Leaves are deciduous and the flowering season in the UK runs from July to September, providing mid- to late-summer interest. Choose a sunny, south- or west-facing site with shelter from cold winds and reliably free-draining soil. It performs on chalk, loam or sandy substrates and favours neutral to alkaline conditions. The hardiness rating H7 denotes that mature plants are fully hardy for UK gardens and tolerate the coldest winter conditions commonly experienced here. Avoid waterlogged ground, as good drainage is essential for long-term health. Use Seseli montanum subsp. montanum where an upright umbellifer is needed: at the back of herbaceous borders, in gravel runs or informal cottage plantings, and for cutting. Its columnar stems give vertical structure without spreading into adjacent plants, so it fits narrow or densely planted beds where a tall, architectural flowering spike is required from July to September.
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 montanum subsp. montanum 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 montanum subsp. montanum
- Propagation
- Seed
- Pest resistance
- Slugs and snails
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Seseli montanum subsp. montanum?
Seseli montanum subsp. montanum prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Seseli montanum subsp. montanum need?
Seseli montanum subsp. montanum 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 montanum subsp. montanum hardy in the UK?
Seseli montanum subsp. montanum 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 montanum subsp. montanum?
Seed.
