Meum athamanticum
Meum athamanticum · Apiaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant meum athamanticum: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Family
- Apiaceae
- Form
- Perennial herb
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- June to August
- Mature size
- 30 to 60 cm tall
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (zones 3 to 8)
- Origin
- Mountains of central and southern Europe
- Soil type
- Well-drained, chalky, poor to moderately rich
Care
Sunlight
Plant Meum athamanticum in full sun or light partial shade. This plant appreciates sunny locations that encourage abundant flowering. It tolerates windy exposures typical of mountain environments well.
Soil and planting
Prepare well-drained soil, ideally chalky or neutral, as this species dislikes waterlogging. You can plant it in a rock garden, dry border, or alpine bed. No significant organic matter amendment is needed.
Watering
Water regularly when establishing (first year), then gradually reduce. Once well-rooted, this plant is very drought-tolerant and only needs supplemental watering during extreme dry periods.
Fertilizing
No fertilizer is necessary. Meum athamanticum thrives in poor to moderately rich soils, typical of its natural mountain habitat.
Pruning and maintenance
Remove spent flowers to encourage prolonged flowering if desired. In late autumn, you can cut back dried stems to ground level. No special pruning is required; the plant regenerates naturally in spring.
Diseases and pests
This species is resistant to most diseases and pests. Avoid excess moisture that could promote root rot. Good air circulation and excellent drainage are usually sufficient to prevent any problems.
Did you know?
Meum athamanticum, formerly called Athamanta or Selinum, was known to the Ancients by the name 'Meum': its finely cut and aromatic leaves made it a traditional mountain remedy. The foliage releases a pleasant spicy scent when rubbed, making it interesting for alpine sensory gardens.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.