How big does Lovage grow?

About 1.8 m × 90 cm after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 1–2 m × 0.6–1 m.

What soil does Lovage grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay.

Hardy down to -34 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

Is Lovage toxic to children?

Yes, it is mildly toxic to children.

When does Lovage flower?

Flowering: May–July, yellow, green.

How much water does Lovage need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: medium.

Lovage

Levisticum officinale

Lovage (Levisticum officinale) is a perennial that reaches 1.8 m × 90 cm after ten years. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -34 °C. Drought tolerance: medium. Toxic to dogs and cats, mildly toxic to children. Sold in local shops from about €5.

Illustration of Lovage — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A huge, long-lived kitchen herb that can reach two metres, with leaves that give soups and stews a strong celery, stock-cube flavour. One plant is plenty for a family, so put it at the back of the herb garden or in a corner where it has room. It likes deep, rich, moist soil in sun or part shade; cut it back in midsummer and it gives a fresh flush of tender leaves. Remove the seed heads before they ripen, or it will scatter seed and come up everywhere next year.

Watch out for

It self-seeds freely; pull seedlings while small, because the taproot goes deep quickly. In hot, dry summers the leaves yellow and toughen, so water it and cut it back. Leaf miners damage the leaves, aphids and plant bugs the shoots, and leaf spots can occur. The tall flower stems are worth staking or removing early in windy spots.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Medium
Size after 10 years: 1.8 m × 90 cm
Hardiness: down to -34 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D May–July, yellow, green

Group	Perennial
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	1.8 m × 90 cm
Ultimate size	1–2 m × 0.6–1 m
Hardiness	down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	May–July, yellow, green
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Medium
Maintenance	Medium
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no data
Spreading	Medium
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	90 cm
For dogs	Toxic
For cats	Toxic
For children	Mildly toxic
Typical price	from about €5

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
size not stated	approx. €5

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 13, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Perennials for part shade Perennials for full sun Perennials for clay soil Perennials for pollinators Fragrant plants Fragrant perennials

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