Thompson & Morgan Kew 'Queen Anne's Lace' seeds

Queen Anne's Lace (Daucus carota) – Kew Pollinators Collection

Grown in partnership with the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, this airy ornamental flower brings a relaxed, hazy quality to borders and wildflower plantings. Tall, upright stems carry ferny, delicate foliage topped with wide, flat-headed umbels of fine white lace-like flowers, each with a single tiny dark floret at its centre. The overall effect is soft and frothy, weaving beautifully through cottage borders, meadow-style planting, and cut flower beds alike. Its open flowerheads are a favourite with bees and other pollinators, and left standing over winter, the seed heads dry into striking frosted silhouettes that extend its interest well beyond summer.

Sow direct from spring once the risk of frost has passed, or start earlier under cover for an head start. Choose a sunny spot with reasonably well-drained soil; this isn't a fussy plant and tends to do best without rich feeding. Thin seedlings as they grow to give each plant room to develop its full, airy habit. Once established, it needs little attention and copes well with dry spells. It self-seeds readily in the right conditions, so allow space for it to spread if you'd like it to return year after year.

Hand-picked by us for its delicate texture and value to pollinators, this is a lovely choice for wildlife gardens, informal borders, or anywhere that could use a touch of romantic, old-fashioned charm.