Cow Parsley

Anthriscus sylvestris Ravenswing

• Position: full sun or partial shade
• Soil: well-drained soil
• Rate of growth: fast
• Flowering period: May to July
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  An elegant purple form of common cow parsley, this has pretty clusters of tiny, creamy-white flowers in late spring and summer, highlighted by the lacy, deeply cut dark purple foliage. This plant is biennial or a short-lived perennial, but it self seeds freely unless you remove the spent flower heads. This makes it a perfect plant for a wild garden or meadow, and an effective companion to ornamental grasses.
  
  
• Garden care: Support with brushwood or link stakes in spring before the flowers appear. In autumn cut it back to just above ground level and apply a generous layer of mulch around the roots.