Orlaya grandiflora aka Large Flower Orlaya

Orlaya grandiflora, or white laceflower, belongs to the Apiaceae family. Its native range stretches from Europe to northern Türkiye and western Transcaucasia. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. This annual grows in temperate regions and forms a bushy plant. It branches as it grows, rather than making one plain stem. Gardeners grow it for its white flowers and divided leaves.

Plants often reach 1.5–2.5 feet [0.45–0.75 metres] tall. The RHS also lists a broader height range reaching 3.3 feet [1 metre]. Spread can reach about 1.6 feet [0.5 metres]. The leaves have deep, jagged divisions, which give them a fine texture. White flowers sit in nearly flat umbels above the foliage. Small flowers fill the centre of each umbel. Those around the edge have larger rays. This contrast gives each flower head its lace-like look. The plant produces many blooms over a long season.

Choose an open site with full sun and good drainage. The RHS lists chalk, loam and sand as suitable soils. Poor soil can also support this plant. It accepts acid, neutral and alkaline conditions. It tolerates drought and can grow in dry to moist soil. The key is to let excess water drain away. Both exposed and sheltered sites suit it. The RHS gives it an H7 hardiness rating. This rating covers the coldest continental European conditions, below −4°F [−20°C]. It remains an annual, despite that cold tolerance.

Raise new plants from seed in spring for summer and autumn flowers. Autumn sowing can give larger plants that flower earlier. No routine pruning is needed. Remove spent flower heads, or cut down flowers once they finish. Its branching form fits flower beds and informal borders. It also suits cottage gardens, gravel gardens and meadow-style planting. The RHS recommends it for prairie planting and cut flowers. Its pale umbels offer detail without a large, dense plant.

The flowers attract insects, making this a useful wildlife-garden plant. The RHS reports few usual pest or disease problems. This leaves little need for pest or disease care under suitable conditions. The supplied sources give no evidence about edible parts or medicinal use. They also provide no assessment of toxicity to people or pets.