Melanoselinum decipens - Maderia Giant Black Parsley
£12.00
Melanoselinum decipiens, commonly known as Madeira Giant Black Parsley, is a large, striking, short-lived perennial native to the island of Madeira. It is a member of the Apiaceae family, which also includes common parsley and carrots. The plant is admired for its architectural form and dramatic size, making it a popular ornamental for tropical and wildlife-friendly gardens.
- Appearance: This giant plant starts as a lush rosette of large, deeply divided, glossy, semi-evergreen leaves. Over several years, a strong, upright, often woody stem or "trunk" develops, which some describe as bamboo-like. The name "black parsley" comes from the black color of its seeds.
- Size: It can reach impressive heights of 1.5 to 3 meters (5 to 10 feet).
- Flowering: After two or more years, the plant produces large, umbrella-shaped clusters (umbels) of tiny pale pink to white flowers, which are very attractive to pollinators.
- Life cycle: M. decipiens is monocarpic, or semelparous, meaning it flowers, sets seed, and then dies. However, it often readily self-seeds, allowing the next generation to grow in its place.
- Hardiness: It is considered borderline hardy in the UK, but can survive in mild, sheltered locations. In colder inland areas, it will likely need winter protection or a thick mulch to survive. It dislikes excessive winter wet.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight: Prefers a position in full sun to partial shade.
- Soil: Requires moist, fertile, and well-drained soil.
- Cultivation: Seeds can be sown in an unheated greenhouse in early spring for natural germination, or with bottom heat for off-season sowing.