Seseli elatum subsp. osseum
mountain fennel
Soft, fern-like foliage and delicate summer blooms bring a graceful, natural feel to sunny planting spaces, making this a lovely choice for adding height and texture. Seseli elatum subsp. osseum forms an upright, elegant display of finely divided blue-green leaves, with branching stems rising above to carry clusters of tiny white flowers that open from soft pink buds.
Flowering in summer, these airy umbels add movement and a light touch to gravel gardens, cottage borders and informal planting schemes, while also making a charming addition to cut flower arrangements. This short-lived perennial can often maintain itself by self-seeding, bringing fresh plants into the garden year after year. It thrives in a sunny spot with well-drained alkaline to neutral soil and is a great choice for gardeners looking for something a little different and beautifully understated.
The foliage has a subtle, fresh scent when crushed, which is typical of many plants in the umbellifer family.
Flowering in summer, these airy umbels add movement and a light touch to gravel gardens, cottage borders and informal planting schemes, while also making a charming addition to cut flower arrangements. This short-lived perennial can often maintain itself by self-seeding, bringing fresh plants into the garden year after year. It thrives in a sunny spot with well-drained alkaline to neutral soil and is a great choice for gardeners looking for something a little different and beautifully understated.
The foliage has a subtle, fresh scent when crushed, which is typical of many plants in the umbellifer family.
How to care for Seseli elatum subsp. osseum:
Mountain fennel is easy to care for once established, preferring a sunny spot with free-draining soil where it can enjoy plenty of sun. Water regularly after planting to help it settle in, especially during dry spells, but avoid overly wet conditions as it dislikes sitting in heavy, waterlogged soil.
This short-lived perennial may self-seed naturally, helping to maintain its presence in the garden, and requires little maintenance beyond removing faded flower stems if desired. Cut back the old growth in late autumn or early spring to keep the plant looking tidy and encourage fresh growth.
This short-lived perennial may self-seed naturally, helping to maintain its presence in the garden, and requires little maintenance beyond removing faded flower stems if desired. Cut back the old growth in late autumn or early spring to keep the plant looking tidy and encourage fresh growth.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
0.8m
Eventual spread:
0.4m
Position:
Full sun
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.
