Anthriscus sylvestris ‘Ravenswing’

Description

Anthriscus sylvestris ‘Ravenswing’ is a striking and unique perennial that adds a touch of elegance and depth to any garden. Known for its dark purple, almost black foliage and delicate white blooms, this plant is a perfect choice for creating contrast in garden borders or adding texture to shaded areas. Follow this comprehensive planting and care guide to help your Anthriscus sylvestris ‘Ravenswing’ thrive and flourish throughout the year.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

• Spring: The best time to plant your Anthriscus sylvestris ‘Ravenswing’ is in early spring, once the soil has warmed up. This gives the plant a full growing season to establish its roots before winter sets in. The plant will be able to settle in and produce its dark, lacy foliage and elegant flowers.
• Autumn: Alternatively, you can plant Anthriscus sylvestris ‘Ravenswing’ in early autumn. This timing allows the plant to settle in before the cooler months, giving it a head start for a strong display in the spring.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Anthriscus sylvestris ‘Ravenswing’ thrives in partial to full shade. While it can tolerate some sunlight, it will benefit most from dappled light or light shade. Choose a spot where it won’t be exposed to harsh midday sun for extended periods.
• Soil: This plant prefers moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Adding compost to your soil can improve its texture and fertility, ensuring that Anthriscus sylvestris ‘Ravenswing’ grows strong and healthy. Make sure the soil is not too heavy, as good drainage is essential for preventing root rot.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Planting Hole: Dig a hole that is twice the width and the same depth as the root ball of your Anthriscus sylvestris ‘Ravenswing’. This allows the roots plenty of space to grow and establish themselves.
2. Soil Preparation: Enrich the soil with compost or well-rotted organic material to ensure it is fertile and drains well. This is key to supporting the health of your Anthriscus sylvestris ‘Ravenswing’.
3. Planting: Place the root ball of the plant in the hole, ensuring the top of the root is level with the surrounding soil surface. Backfill with soil and gently firm it to eliminate air pockets.
4. Watering After Planting: Water your Anthriscus sylvestris ‘Ravenswing’ thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil around the roots. Keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged, as the plant prefers slightly moist conditions.

Watering Requirements

• Growing Season: During the growing season, Anthriscus sylvestris ‘Ravenswing’ enjoys consistently moist soil. Water the plant regularly, particularly during dry spells, but ensure the soil drains well. Avoid letting the plant sit in stagnant water, as this can lead to root rot.
• Dormant Season: As the plant enters its dormant phase in winter, reduce watering. Water only if the soil becomes dry, but do not overwater, as this can lead to the plant becoming susceptible to disease or root damage.

Feeding

• Spring: In early spring, apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser to kick-start the growing season. This will help your Anthriscus sylvestris ‘Ravenswing’ develop strong roots and vibrant foliage.
• Mid-Summer: A light feeding during the summer months can help maintain the plant’s health and encourage continued growth. Avoid excessive fertilisation, as this can cause leggy growth or reduce flower production.

Pruning

• Deadheading: Although Anthriscus sylvestris ‘Ravenswing’ is not particularly known for its long-lasting flowers, you can deadhead spent blooms to tidy up the plant and encourage new growth. This will also keep the plant looking neat throughout the season.
• Autumn Pruning: After the growing season, cut back the plant to ground level. This allows the plant to conserve energy over the winter months and helps to reduce the risk of pest or disease problems.

Mulching

• Spring: Apply a light mulch of organic material such as compost, leaf mould, or bark chips around the base of your Anthriscus sylvestris ‘Ravenswing’ to retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate the soil temperature.
• Winter: In colder months, mulch the plant with a thicker layer of organic material to protect the roots from frost damage. This will help your Anthriscus sylvestris ‘Ravenswing’ survive through winter and come back strong in spring.

Supporting the Plant

• Staking: While Anthriscus sylvestris ‘Ravenswing’ generally has a graceful, arching habit, it can sometimes benefit from staking if grown in wind-prone areas. Use a small, unobtrusive stake to support the plant and prevent its stems from flopping over.

Final Tips

Anthriscus sylvestris ‘Ravenswing’ is a stunning and low-maintenance plant that adds a unique, sophisticated touch to any garden. By planting it in a shaded or partially shaded location with rich, well-draining soil, and following a simple care routine, your Anthriscus sylvestris ‘Ravenswing’ will reward you with stunning foliage and delicate blooms year after year. This plant is an excellent choice for bringing contrast and texture to your garden, especially in areas where you want to create an elegant and dramatic effect. With minimal pruning and careful watering, Anthriscus sylvestris ‘Ravenswing’ will thrive and bring beauty to your garden season after season.

RHS Details

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