Myrrhis odorata Umbelliferae

CULTIVATION Sweet cicely is a hardy herbaceous perennial with light to mid-green, aromatic, lacy leaves and flat umbels of white flowers from late spring, with attractive, slim, curved seeds following. It prefers fertile soil and light shade and grows to a height of 1m (3ft). Propagate it by sowing seeds in autumn or by dividing the plant in late spring, planting them 60cm (2ft) apart. Harvest the leaves at any time, the flowers from late spring and the seeds from midsummer. Grow it in a garden or border; especially good for orchards or bee gardens as it flowers early.