Pink and pretty pimpinella

Pimpinella major ‘Rosea’ has to be one of the daintiest umbels. It’s the pink version of a British native, the greater burnet saxifrage. Its foliage is more succulent than cow parsley’s and the whole plant is more erect and compact, though much shorter than its hedge-hugging relative. Its immensely pre y flowers are a lovely shade of pink.

At one time I preferred it to the usual white form, but perhaps they’re just as pre y as each other. Another advantage is that the white-flowered version often seems to have another flush of flowers later, and I was even able to use some of its dainty, lacy flowers in the bouquets for Alice and her bridesmaids last month.

It’s one of those background plants that despite never pushing itself forward, beautifies the overall effect of any planting. Try it in May and June with big, opulent Oriental poppies or, if you’re lucky enough to have it flower again, persuade it to mingle with autumnal daisies, just the thing to hide the bare legs and knobbly knees of the A. novae-angliae group of asters.

Self-seeding is another of its useful a ributes, but if you want it in specific places, grow your own plants from seed. Even one plant will yield enough seed for scores more. Collect it on a dry day when seed heads are just beginning to turn brown, but before they get too dry and desiccated.

The seed of most umbels, members of the

family Apiaceae, are best sown fresh. Sow sparingly on the surface of compost and

cover with grit. Water by standing the pot or tray in shallow water, drain and leave outside in a sheltered spot or in the greenhouse. When seedlings develop true leaves prick them out, and when big enough (probably about six months later) plant them out in the garden.