Myrrhis odorata 'Forncett Chevron'

Sweet Cisely Apiaceae

Sweet cicely with considerably more style than its name suggests—and foliage that looks as though someone has taken a paintbrush to it. ‘Forncett Chevron’ is an exceptional selection of Myrrhis odorata, producing the familiar finely divided, fern-like foliage but with striking silvery-white chevron markings across the leaves. The markings are particularly effective on the fresh spring growth, giving the plant an almost frosted appearance.

In late spring, airy stems carry umbels of small white flowers, followed by elongated, dark seed pods. Both foliage and seeds possess the characteristic sweet aniseed fragrance of sweet cicely, making this as useful as it is ornamental.

‘Forncett Chevron’ originated at Four Seasons Plant Nursery, Forncett St Mary, Norfolk, a specialist nursery that is no longer trading. Our stock was obtained directly from Four Seasons, preserving a particularly useful piece of British horticultural provenance. The cultivar was circulated as a seed-grown selection and is notable for the consistency of its attractive chevron markings.

As with the species, the young leaves are edible raw or cooked, with a sweet aniseed flavour. They have traditionally been used to sweeten sharp fruits such as rhubarb and gooseberries, while the aromatic seeds can be used as a spice.

Grow in sun or partial shade, in fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil. A substantial perennial for the herb garden, meadow or woodland edge, it earns its keep through foliage alone before its flowers even arrive.

Height: 80–100cm

Spread: 50–70cm

Flowering: April–June

Hardiness: H6, approximately -20 to -15°C

Position: Sun or partial shade

Soil: Moist, fertile, well-drained

Uses: Culinary herb; sweetening fruit; ornamental foliage

Special feature: Striking silver-white chevron markings and sweet aniseed fragrance

Origin: Four Seasons Plant Nursery, Forncett St Mary, Norfolk. Our stock was obtained directly from the nursery.