Pepper saxifrage
Silaum silaus · Apiaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant pepper saxifrage: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- June to August
- Adult size
- 60 to 100 cm in height
- Growth
- Moderate
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (down to -15°C)
- Origin
- Central and southern Europe
- Soil type
- Well-drained, slightly alkaline
Care
Exposure
Meadow silaum thrives in full sun or partial shade. Prioritize a sunny exposure for optimal flowering and a more robust plant. It tolerates semi-shaded locations well but with less floral density.
Soil and planting
This plant appreciates well-drained, rather dry to fresh soil, and tolerates alkaline or neutral soils. Plant it in autumn or spring, spacing plants 30 to 40 cm apart. It also adapts to poor substrates, a characteristic common to natural meadows.
Watering
Water moderately during the active growing period (spring-summer), especially during prolonged dry spells. Once established, this meadow plant is undemanding and tolerates dry periods well. Avoid excess water which could cause root rot.
Pruning and maintenance
Little pruning is necessary. You can cut back the plant after flowering to promote a compact shape, or let the seeds ripen if you want self-seeding. In late winter, clean up dead stems.
Fertilization
No fertilizer is needed, unless the soil is particularly poor. This meadow plant thrives on little and overfeeding risks promoting growth at the expense of flowering.
Diseases and pests
Meadow silaum is very robust and rarely affected by common diseases. In overly wet soil, rot may appear. Ensure good air circulation in your planting and monitor drainage to prevent any fungal problems.
Did you know?
Meadow silaum is a classic plant of European natural meadows, highly appreciated by pollinating insects. Its golden-yellow umbels of flowers resemble the fennel and parsley family, and it was long used in traditional medicine as a diuretic, though this use is now obsolete.
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
- CarawayCarum carvi
- MasterwortAstrantia major
- SamphireCrithmum maritimum
- Flat sea hollyEryngium planum
- Shrubby Hare's EarBupleurum fruticosum
- Crowfoot-leaved hare's-earBupleurum ranunculoides
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.