Ligusticopsis wallichiana
milk parsley (syn. Selinum wallichianum)
The noted plantsman E. A. Bowles loved this plant, calling it 'the most beautiful of all fern leaved plants', and it certainly has a lot going for it. The tiny, star shaped white flowers appear in flattened umbels in midsummer and continue through to autumn.
These billowing clouds of flowers appear to hover above the finely cut leaves on tall, red tinged stems, and look great in a mixed border, but to appreciate them in all their glory, you should try not to overcrowd them - many prefer to grow Ligusticopsis wallichiana as specimen plants.
These billowing clouds of flowers appear to hover above the finely cut leaves on tall, red tinged stems, and look great in a mixed border, but to appreciate them in all their glory, you should try not to overcrowd them - many prefer to grow Ligusticopsis wallichiana as specimen plants.
How to care for Ligusticopsis wallichiana:
Plant in moist, fertile, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade, ideally in a sheltered spot. It appreciates a cool root run, so mulching around the base helps retain moisture and keep roots shaded. Water regularly during dry spells, especially in its first growing season, and stake taller stems if needed to prevent wind damage.
Remove faded flowerheads and cut back dying foliage in autumn. They resent disturbance but you can divide carefully in early spring if necessary.
Remove faded flowerheads and cut back dying foliage in autumn. They resent disturbance but you can divide carefully in early spring if necessary.
Sowing instructions:
Sow milk parsley seed either in autumn or from late winter to early spring in the UK, as a period of cool temperatures can help improve germination. Use a free-draining seed compost and cover the seed lightly, keeping it just moist and in a bright but not overly warm spot. Germination can be slow and a bit erratic, so patience is key.
Once seedlings are large enough to handle, prick them out and grow on in pots, planting out after the last frosts into a sunny or lightly shaded position with moisture-retentive but well-drained soil.
Once seedlings are large enough to handle, prick them out and grow on in pots, planting out after the last frosts into a sunny or lightly shaded position with moisture-retentive but well-drained soil.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
1.8m
Eventual spread:
0.6m
Position:
Full sun / light shade
Rate of growth:
Average
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
-
This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
