Lovage

Lovage: A Towering Herb with Celery Flavor

(Levisticum officinale)

Lovage is a robust perennial herb valued for its culinary and medicinal uses. At Humble Abode Nursery, we offer this impressive plant for those seeking a versatile and long-lived addition to their herb garden. We Love Lovage!

Growing 4-6 feet tall, Lovage forms a statuesque clump with dark green, celery-like leaves. In early summer, it produces umbels of small yellow flowers that attract beneficial insects.

This herb thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers rich, moist, well-drained soil. It’s hardy in USDA zones 4-8 and is notably cold-tolerant. Once established, Lovage is relatively drought-resistant and can live for many years with minimal care.

In the kitchen, all parts of the plant are edible. The leaves have a strong celery-like flavor and can be used fresh or dried in soups, stews, and salads. The seeds can be used as a spice, while the roots are sometimes used as a vegetable.

Lovage has a history of medicinal use, particularly for digestive and urinary issues. Its tall stature makes it an excellent backdrop in herb gardens or as a striking specimen plant in perennial borders.

This plant is generally pest and disease resistant. It’s a good companion plant in vegetable gardens, as its strong scent can help repel certain insect pests. Lovage can be divided every few years to maintain vigor and control its size.

By incorporating Lovage into your landscape, you’re adding a multi-purpose herb that offers culinary, medicinal, and ornamental benefits. Whether you’re expanding your herb garden, looking for edible landscaping options, or seeking tall, architectural plants, Lovage is a flavorful and impressive choice.