Sweet cicely (Myrrhis odorata)

One well-established plant in a 1 Litre pot, sent in plastic-free packaging. Sweet Cicely is a graceful, anise-scented perennial herb that brings both beauty and practicality to the garden. With its soft, fern-like foliage and delicate white flowers, it is a classic cottage garden plant that also earns its place as a genuinely useful edible herb.

Please note that Sweet Cicely dies back over winter. This is completely normal for the plant. Once planted out or kept in a tunnel, it will reliably sprout fresh growth again in spring, returning year after year.

Hardy Perennial | Height 90 – 150cm | Full Sun to Partial Shade | Sweet Anise Flavour | Pollinator Friendly.

Sweet Cicely is a perennial herb,  It grows happily in full sun to partial shade, making it particularly valuable for brighter, lightly shaded areas of the garden where other herbs can struggle. All parts of the plant are edible, including the leaves, flowers, seeds, and roots, and it is known for being hardy, easy to grow, and self-seeding.

Visually, Sweet Cicely is an elegant presence in the garden. Its feathery green leaves form soft, architectural clumps, and in late spring it produces airy umbels of small white flowers that hover above the foliage. These blooms are beloved by pollinators, adding ecological value as well as seasonal interest. Whether planted in an herb garden, border, or informal planting scheme, Sweet Cicely brings a light, natural feel that blends effortlessly with other perennials.

In the kitchen, Sweet Cicely is especially prized for its sweet, delicate anise flavour. The fresh leaves are traditionally used to soften the sharpness of tart fruits such as rhubarb and gooseberries, helping to reduce the need for added sugar in desserts. This makes it a favourite for cooks looking to balance flavour naturally. The aromatic seeds are richly scented and can be used as a natural sweetener or brewed into a fragrant tea. The roots are also edible and can be enjoyed roasted or stir-fried, making this a truly versatile herb from top to bottom.

From a growing perspective, Sweet Cicely is notably generous. It thrives in most soils, requires minimal input, and establishes easily when given a suitable spot. It emerges early, returns reliably each year, and is known to self-seed, often spreading gently to create soft, fragrant drifts over time. This habit makes it ideal for gardeners who enjoy a more relaxed, naturalistic style and plants that find their own place in the landscape.

Long valued as a cottage garden classic, Sweet Cicely is also a quiet workhorse in edible gardens. Its combination of ornamental beauty, resilience, and culinary usefulness makes it a standout choice for anyone looking to add long-term value to their planting. As both a pollinator-friendly perennial and a secret weapon for low-sugar cooking, Sweet Cicely is an herb well worth making space for in the garden.

Delivery Information

All Sweet Cicely plants are carefully packed and sent in plastic-free packaging to protect both the plant and the environment. Plants are dispatched promptly so they arrive fresh, healthy, and ready to plant.

We ship orders using a tracked 24-hour delivery service, helping to minimise time in transit and reduce stress on the plant. Orders are packed by hand at the nursery, and we aim to dispatch early in the week to avoid delays over weekends.

If you have any questions about delivery timing or combining orders, please get in touch before ordering and we will be happy to help.

To find out more about other plants for your garden visit – https://dyfiplants.substack.com