My garden, alive in my pocket.
Track my garden
🌿

Motherwort

Leonurus cardiaca · Lamiaceae

The gardener's calendar

The right move for September

Ideal time to plant motherwort: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.

JFMAMJJASOND Planting

ID card

Foliage
Deciduous
Flowering
July to September
Adult size
60 to 120 cm in height
Growth
Fast
Hardiness
Very hardy (down to -20 °C)
Origin
Central and temperate Europe
Soil type
Well-drained, dry to moderately moist

Care

Exposure

Plant motherwort in full sun or partial shade to promote beautiful flowering and good vigor. It tolerates bright locations well but dislikes dense shade. A south or west-facing exposure is ideal in temperate regions.

Watering

Water regularly during the first year to establish a strong root system. Once established, motherwort is very drought-tolerant and only needs water if the soil becomes very dry in summer. Avoid excess moisture, especially in winter.

Soil

Motherwort adapts to most soils as long as they are well-drained. It prefers light to medium soil that is poor to moderately fertile. Improve compacted soil with coarse compost or sand to promote drainage.

Pruning and maintenance

Cut stems after flowering (October-November) or trim lightly in early spring to encourage a more compact form. This plant often self-seeds; remove spent flowers if you want to limit seed dispersal.

Fertilizer

Motherwort doesn't require rich fertilizer: naturally fertile soil or light spring feeding is plenty. Excessive nitrogen promotes foliage at the expense of flowering.

Health and diseases

This is a very robust plant, rarely affected by pests or diseases. Good drainage and adequate air circulation prevent rot. In cases of stagnant excess moisture, mold may appear on lower plant parts.

Did you know?

Motherwort gets its Latin name 'Leonurus cardiaca' from the Greek 'leon' (lion) and 'oura' (tail), as its pink-violet flowers resemble a lion's tail. Since the Middle Ages, it has been highly valued in traditional herbalism for its soothing properties, and remains a precious companion plant in medicinal gardens.

Where to buy it

Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.

Add this plant to my garden →

Plants from the same family

Browse all plants →

Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.