- Eventual Height: 1.8m
- Eventual Spread: 1m
Bastard Hemp
Datisca cannabina
- Position: full sun
- Soil: fertile, moist, but well drained soil
- Rate of growth: rapid
- Flowering period: July - August
- Hardiness: fully hardy
Native to Crete, Greece and the Hiamalayan Mountains where it grows along rivers in deep rich alluvial soil. Probably cultivated since the mid 17th century, when it was used for medicinal purposes and as a yellow dye source. Young plants grow rapidly to form a giant upright branching bush, whereon each flower spike is a broad pyramidal spire. Deeply incised foliage is arranged in opposite pairs, gracefully ascending the tall stems. Although individual flowers are subtle, appearing in July and August and greenish-white in colour, the overall appearance of this plant has definite 'star quality'!
This plant needs plenty of expanding room, and is therefore most suited to larger spaces where it will not overshadow its neighbours.
- Garden care: Plants can be raised from collected seed.
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