Peucedanum ostruthium 'Daphnis'

These hardy perennials grow spontaneously in meadows or beside mountain streams. The large, tuberous roots, with their penetrating scent, of certain species have long been used in traditional pharmacopoeia.

This beautiful variety was created at the end of the 80s in the garden of my friend Philippe Ferret, who gave it its name. The superb foliage is variegated with cream and resembles, in a larger version, that of variegated gouty grass (Aegopodium podagraria 'Variégata'). Having had both in the garden, we can tell you that Imperatorium is much more interesting. Less suckering, it is also more faithful than gouty grass, which turns green again when conditions are too favourable. It does very little reseeding and its clumps grow sensibly without the need to restrict them.