Reseda

( res - SEED - uh )

At-A-Glance Information

Commonly called Mignonette, this genus of annual flowering plants needs partial shade in the warmest climates; otherwise it can grow in full sun exposure. In warm weather, the flowers fade quickly and will brown. Flowers have a sweet but spicy fragrance to them, and strains are available with differing flower colors, though the flowers on these plants are not as fragrant.

Reseda species and varietals

The genus Reseda is the type genus of the plant family Resedaceae and includes around 40 species. ​Mignonette grows well in all zones. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Reseda alba (White Mignonette, White Upright Mignonette)
These plants, native to Europe, Asia, and northern areas of Africa is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant. The species can be either annual or perennial, depending on the climate they are grown in, and produce spikes of fragrant white flowers.

Reseda lutea (Yellow Mignonette, Wild Mignonette)
These plants are native to Eurasia and North Africa, and has naturalized in many other areas around the globe. In Australia, it is a noxious weed and pest of agricultural lands. Flowers are fragrant and yellow. Leaves and flowers can be used to make yellow dye.

Reseda luteola (Dyer's Rocket, Dyer's Weed, Weld, Woold, Yellow Weed)
These plants are rich in luteolin, which is used as a bright yellow fabric dye. The species is native to Europe and Western Asia, and is an introduced species (sometimes considered an invasive weed) elsewhere. Foliage is green, and flowers are light to golden yellow.

Reseda odorata (Mignonette)
These wild-looking flowers need regular water and reach 1.5 feet tall and just as wide. Mignonette is native to North Africa, and has green leaves and white flowers that have a copper or yellow tinge to them. Blooms are borne on spikes that begin dense and open up as they mature.

Reseda phyteuma (Rampion Mignonette, Corn Mignonette)
Reaching between 4 and 20 inches tall when in bloom, this species can be annual or perennial. Leaves are green and flowers are greenish-white, blooming in densely-packed inflorescences. Blooms pop from April through September. Rampion Mignonette is native to central and southern Europe as well as western Asia and northern Africa.

Caring for Reseda odorata

Mignonette prefers soil that is rich and fertile, as well as well-draining. To prolong bloom, deadhead when flower spikes fade. Sow seeds in early springtime, and make successive sowings to 

Propagation

Problems and Pests

Gallery

Camellias are great candidates to be grown as container plants on your patio.
A field of thea sinensis
Camellia hiemalis 'Shishi Gashira'

Videos

A video all about growing camellias successfully
Propagating camellias

Resources

Wikipedia: Reseda (plant)
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 554, Reseda odorata
If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or photos you’d like to add to the gallery, please let me know by sending me a message using the button below!
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