Peucedanum verticillare

The Peucedanum verticillare is a magnificent representative of the umbellifer family found in the mountainous areas of central and southern Europe, often at the edge of forests, always on moist slopes. This giant has undeniable ornamental qualities, making it a welcome addition to our gardens. It forms a finely textured bushy clump in just a few months, from which powerful spreading flower heads emerge in summer, tinted with brick red and adorned with cream-coloured umbels. The flowering marks the death of the plant, which perpetuates itself through spontaneous sowing. Very hardy, this Peucedanum brings a touch of wildness to the base of trees, and its umbels brighten up shaded areas of the garden. 

The Peucedanum verticillare belongs to the Apiaceae family (formerly Umbelliferae), like wild carrot, fennel, parsley, and celery. It is a botanical species native to the Alps. It is a short-lived herbaceous plant, classified as semelparous: it lives only long enough to produce flowers and seeds. Its above-ground vegetation is deciduous; it dies in winter and regrows in spring. This Peucedanum first forms a clump of leafy stems that can reach 1.80 m (6ft) in height and 80-90 cm (32-35in) in width. The foliage consists of large shiny leaves divided 2 or 3 times into variable-shaped and unevenly toothed leaflets. The young leaves are tinged with purple, while mature leaves are dark green on top and glaucous underneath. Flowering mainly takes place in July-August on mature plants. From the foliage emerge hollow, thick, robust floral stems, branching out up to 2.50 m (8ft) in height, bearing compound umbels of yellow-green to cream-coloured umbellules composed of tiny flowers. They are nectar-rich and attractive to bees. After pollination, oblong and flattened fruits form, measuring 7 to 9 mm (0in), with widely winged lateral ribs. The plant can self-seed in light soils.

The Peucedanum verticillare prefers partial shade-rich, well-drained soil that remains moist even in summer. Under these conditions, it is a very robust and trouble-free plant. It thrives in front of a bushy clump of shrubs at the back of a perennial border or even in a large rock garden that is not too dry, where it will have a good pocket of soil. This plant, reminiscent of angelica, is valuable for bees, and the gardener will appreciate its airy appearance to lighten up heavier perennials. It can be combined with sacred bamboo (Nandina domestica), foxgloves, tall perennial sunflowers (Helianthus salicifolius), or, for a bolder choice, with cannas for contrasting forms and colours.

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