9 umbellifers to plant
Anthriscus sylvestris ‘Ravenswing’
The delicate white umbels are set off beautifully by dark-purplish stems and leaves. Plants will thrive in sun or part shade in most soils, but they are shortlived and won’t come true from seed. HxS: 2½x2ft (75x60cm).
Angelica gigas
Very dramatic globe-shaped, ruby-red flowers on tall, dark-red stems. Biennial; produces foliage the first year, then flowers and sets seed in the second. Pollinated by wasps, so plant away from seating areas. HxS: 4x2ft (1.2mx60cm).
Bupleurum rotundifolium ‘Griffithii’ Similar to alchemilla or euphorbia, this variety of our native hare’s ear has yellowish-green flowers – tiny umbels surrounded by petal-like bracts. Sow fresh seed in April, for flowers in July and August. HxS: 2x1ft (60x30cm).
Orlaya grandiflora AGM
A hardy annual producing masses of pure white umbels. Good for cutting and easy to grow from seed – sow in March or April for a summer showing, or in August for the following year. HxS: 1½ftx22in (45x55cm).
Didiscus caeruleus
The blue lace flower, also known as Trachymene coerulea, produces brightblue, slightly scented umbels on long stems in summer. Good in a naturalistic scheme and ideal for cutting. Sow direct in April-May. H&S: 2ft (60cm).
Astrantia major ‘Ruby Giant’ Combines striking ruby-red ‘pincushion’ flowers with dark-green leaves. A reliable and long-flowering perennial that is very popular – and deservedly so. Good for clay soils and semi-shady locations. HxS: 2ftx20in (60x50cm).
Ammi majus ‘Snowflake’
Easy from seed; sow directly in spring or get ahead in autumn for bigger plants and a longer flowering season. Bred to be tall and robust, the strong stems make this a useful addition to vases. HxS: 4ftx16in (1.2mx40cm).
Pimpinella major ‘Rosea’ Pink-flushed flowerheads are carried on strong stems in early to midsummer, giving an effect very similar to cow parsley. Great for cutting and arranging. Sow direct in autumn, or indoors at any time. HxS: 24inx2ft (80x60cm).
Eryngium giganteum AGM
Surprised to find this thistle among umbelliferous plants? A member of the Apiaceae family, it has white flowerheads in summer and, in the right conditions, will self-seed. Try ‘Silver Ghost’ (pictured). HxS: 2ftx16in (60x40cm).