Orlaya is an Umbellifer – like Anthriscus sylvestris (Cow Parsley) and Foeniculum vulgare. (Fennel) It is much shorter growing to 60cm/two feet tall maximum. I think it’s prettier too with large outer petals framing the flower like a lace edge. In fact it’s commonly called the White Lace Flower. It has fine dark green ferny foliage and flowers for months. What’s more it’s easy to grow and very good as a cut flower.
I’ve grown it with Salvia viridis this year (Clary Sage) it’s about the same size but the contrasting forms work well together.
Like all hardy annuals you need to prevent Orlaya setting seed so that it flowers for longer. It’s a cut and come again flower… the more flowers you cut the more the plant produces. What’s not to love about this plant?
When you look really closely at Orlaya you can see that the flower heads are made up of many tiny flowers.
It’s a beautiful plant, especially with a little early morning dew!
If you would like to grow some Orlaya yourself I have some seeds available for you to try.
Just click the image link for more information .
