Tordylium maximum
Tordylium maximum · Apiaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant tordylium maximum: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Family
- Apiaceae
- Type
- Annual or biennial herb
- Flowering
- April to July
- Adult size
- 60 to 100 cm in height
- Foliage
- Deciduous, highly divided and finely cut
- Hardiness
- Moderate, frost-tender in cold climates
- Origin
- Mediterranean basin and Middle East
Care
Sunlight
Install your Tordylium in a sunny location, where it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. This plant appreciates warmth and develops better in full south-facing exposure. It tolerates light partial shade but will be less vigorous.
Soil and planting
Prefer well-draining soil, rather dry to moderately moist. Tordylium adapts well to poor and chalky soils, like those in Mediterranean regions. Avoid waterlogging which promotes root rot.
Watering
Water moderately at the start of the growing season, then gradually reduce. This plant tolerates drought well once established and dislikes excess moisture. In dry climates, one or two waterings per month are sufficient.
Fertilising
Fertiliser is generally not necessary if the soil is enriched before planting. In very poor soils, a light application of balanced fertiliser in spring can support growth without excess.
Pruning and maintenance
No real pruning is necessary. Remove spent flowers to extend blooming and limit self-seeding if desired. This plant generally requires no regular interventions.
Pests and diseases
Tordylium is rarely affected by diseases. In excessively moist conditions, rot may appear. The carrot fly can occasionally infest it. Practise good air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
Did you know?
Tordylium maximum, also called the 'gendarme' due to its characteristic white and pink flowers, was once studied for its photosensitising properties. Certain alkaloids from the Apiaceae family can indeed interact with sun-exposed skin, hence its nickname in some regions and the caution to exercise when handling.
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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- Crowfoot-leaved hare's-earBupleurum ranunculoides
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.