Does lovage spread?

Lovage is a plant that readily spreads and self-seeds, making it a low-maintenance option for gardeners. Once you plant lovage in your garden, you won’t have to worry about replanting it year after year. This is especially convenient for those who prefer a hands-off approach to gardening.

Lovage plants can grow quite tall, reaching up to six feet in height. They also have a generous spread, with a width of about 32 inches. This impressive size makes lovage a striking addition to any garden, adding height and structure to the overall landscape.

When it comes to climate, lovage is best suited for gardeners in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-9. It tends to prefer cooler climates rather than hot ones, so keep this in mind when choosing the location for your lovage plants. If you live in a region with hot summers, providing some shade or afternoon shade for your lovage plants can help them thrive.

One of the benefits of lovage’s spreading nature is its ability to reseed itself. This means that once the plants have produced seeds, they will fall to the ground and germinate, creating new lovage plants. This natural self-seeding process ensures a continuous supply of lovage in your garden, without the need for intervention from the gardener.

However, it’s important to note that lovage’s spreading habit can also be a potential drawback in certain situations. If you have limited space or prefer to have more control over the plants in your garden, you may need to take measures to contain the lovage’s spread.

One way to manage lovage’s spreading is by regularly harvesting the leaves and flowers. By removing these parts of the plant, you can prevent the formation of seeds and reduce the chances of self-seeding. Additionally, you can also consider planting lovage in containers or raised beds to limit its spread to a specific area.

In my personal experience, I have found lovage to be a reliable and low-maintenance addition to my garden. Its spreading nature has allowed me to enjoy continuous harvests of its aromatic leaves and flavorful stems without the need for constant replanting. The tall, statuesque presence of lovage plants also adds visual interest and structure to my garden beds.

Lovage is a plant that spreads readily and self-seeds, making it a convenient and low-maintenance option for gardeners. Its impressive height and spread can create a striking presence in the garden, while its ability to reseed ensures a continuous supply of lovage without the need for replanting. However, it’s important to be mindful of its spreading habit and take measures to manage it if desired.

Photo of author

Caroline Bates

Caroline is a Miami-based landscaper who specializes in drought-tolerant landscapes. She is the mother of two young children and also enjoys writing for GreenPacks.org in her spare time. Caroline takes great pride in her work, and loves being able to share her knowledge with others through her writing.