Anthriscus sylvestris 'Ravenswing'
Black cow parsley
- Height × spread
- 1.2m × 1m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Colder than -20C (RHS H7)
- Flowers
- Summer
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This is a posh form of the common cow parsley. It has divided airy foliage and carries dome shaped flower heads on branching stems. The foliage of this form is coloured brown purple giving it a rather more aristocratic mien. The dark tones and divided foliage does mean that it can practically disappear unless placed against a contrasting background with space to lift its foliage above the lower growing rabble. It is said to have originated in a hedgerow near Reading by a Dr. John Richards. One authority recommends planting this with hostas.
- Flower colour
- White
- Foliage colour
- Brown, Mauve, Purple
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Fan
- Height
- 1.2m
- Spread
- 1m
- Season of interest
- Summer
- Flowers in
- Summer
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Wild flower meadow, Small scale garden, Prairie garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, likes part shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Well drained soil
- Hardiness
- Colder than -20C (RHS H7)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Hazards
- Yes, potentially harmful; Humans: Harmful to skin with sunlight
Spring
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water during dry periods
For plants in the ground, when there has been little or no rain for a period of 7-10 days and the soil is dry, give it a deep watering and repeat weekly until there is a downpour of rain. Check plants in pots more frequently, especially in hot weather.
Spring-Autumn · Planting
Trim dead flowers to prevent self-seeding
Note on self-seeding: If you do not want this plant to set seed it is necessary to promptly remove the spent flowers as they fade.
It's possible to carefully remove the seed heads, complete with seed, and then place them in areas where you would like new seedlings to grow.