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Annual Biennial

Reseda lutea
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

wild mignonette

Upright biennial to 1.5m tall and wide, with linear to lance-shaped dark green leaves to 10cm long, with wavy margins, and bearing long narrow, vertical racemes of tiny 4-petalled yellowish-green flowers in summer

Other common names
base rocket
crambling rocket
see morecut-leaved mignonette
Italian rocket
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Yellow Green Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Resedaceae
Native to the UK
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Genus

Reseda can be annuals or perennials, with simple or pinnately lobed leaves and small, star-shaped flowers in dense racemes in summer and autumn

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Europe, N Africa, SW Asia

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained, moderately fertile preferably neutral to alkaline soil in full sun or part shade

Propagation

Propagate by seed in early spring or autumn, in cold areas provide cloche protection for autumn sown seedlings

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Deadhead to prolong flowering

Pests

Generally pest free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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