Overview
Smyrnium perfoliatum is a herbaceous perennial in the genus Smyrnium, part of the Apiaceae family. It typically grows around 1.5 m tall. Smyrnium perfoliatum grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is native to Europe, N Africa, Turkey and Caucasus.
About
Smyrnium perfoliatum is a herbaceous perennial in the Apiaceae that reaches about 1.5 m and provides a tall summer presence. It flowers from May to July. Native to parts of Europe, North Africa, Turkey and the Caucasus, it suits open, sunny positions. It prefers full sun in moist but well-drained soils such as sandy, loamy or clay and is fully hardy in the UK (H7).
About the genus
Smyrnium is a genus of flowering plants in the family Apiaceae that naturally grows in a range stretching from Southern Europe to South Asia.
In the garden
Smyrnium perfoliatum sits in the Apiaceae and is a herbaceous perennial native to Europe, North Africa, Turkey and the Caucasus. Plants grow to roughly 1.5 m and come into bloom between May and July, so they contribute height through late spring and early summer. Plant in a sunny spot: full sun suits it best. It accepts a wide range of soil textures — sandy, loamy or clay — provided the soil remains moist but well-drained rather than waterlogged. The species is rated H7 for the UK (fully hardy) and falls within USDA hardiness zones 5–9, so it tolerates typical British winters without special winter protection in most gardens. Use it where vertical structure is wanted: the height makes it appropriate for the back of mixed herbaceous borders or in naturalistic, meadow-style plantings where a tall summer element is useful. Because flowering runs from May to July, the plant is most visually prominent through late spring into mid-summer, after which stems can be evaluated for their contribution to the border’s late-summer shape.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Smyrnium
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Smyrnium perfoliatum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous perennial
- Height
- 1.5 m
- Native to
- Europe, N Africa, Turkey, Caucasus
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Smyrnium perfoliatum
- Propagation
- By seed sown in situ in spring or autumn
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Smyrnium perfoliatum?
Smyrnium perfoliatum prefers full sun.
What soil does Smyrnium perfoliatum need?
Smyrnium perfoliatum is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How big does Smyrnium perfoliatum grow?
Smyrnium perfoliatum reaches a height of 1.5 m.
Is Smyrnium perfoliatum hardy in the UK?
Smyrnium perfoliatum has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Smyrnium perfoliatum?
By seed sown in situ in spring or autumn.