Nothosmyrnium japonicum var. sutchuenense 'Loushan Filigree' PAB8987

Chinese Smyrnium Apiaceae

A wonderfully elegant late-season umbellifer, ‘Loushan Filigree’ produces dark, wiry, branching stems topped from August onwards with clouds of exceptionally fine, pure-white umbels. The young foliage is finely divided and flushed red-bronze, giving considerable interest well before flowering. It has the appearance of botanical lace on stems of almost black wire—a superb plant for extending the woodland garden into autumn.

PAB 8987 was collected at Loushan Pass in Guizhou, China, and has subsequently entered specialist horticulture as ‘Loushan Filigree’. It is commonly grown under Nothosmyrnium japonicum var. sutchuenense, although the varietal name remains taxonomically unresolved. The plant has also been distributed as Angelica ‘Loushan Filigree’.

Give it moist, fertile, free-draining soil in sun or partial shade. It is particularly effective amongst grasses and other late-season perennials, where its airy structure allows neighbouring plants to show through. A superb plant for extending the season, flowering well into autumn.

Despite its relationship to edible members of the Apiaceae, this is best regarded as an ornamental rather than a culinary plant and is not recommended for consumption.

Collection: PAB 8987 — Loushan Pass, Guizhou, China
Distribution: China to Japan
Flowering: August–October
Growing conditions: Moist, fertile, well-drained soil; sun to partial shade
Hardiness: H5 — approximately -15 to -10°C
Height: 100–120cm
Spread: 50–70cm