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

Gypsywort

Lycopus europaeus · Lamiaceae

The gardener's calendar

The right move for September

Ideal time to plant gypsywort: 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
30 to 80 cm in height
Growth
Fast
Hardiness
Very hardy (down to -20°C)
Origin
Europe, temperate regions
Soil type
Moist to fresh, tolerates heavy soils

Care

Watering

Gypsum wort loves moist soils and isn't afraid of excess water; it's a plant of wet environments par excellence. Keep the soil fresh during the growing season, especially during dry summers. In containers, water regularly to prevent complete drying out.

Light Exposure

Place your gypsum wort in full sun or partial shade for optimal flowering. It tolerates partial shade well and can develop properly there. A sunny exposure promotes better flower density.

Soil and Drainage

Gypsum wort prefers moist, slightly peaty or organic-rich soil. It handles compacted and clay soils without issue. Adding compost at planting time improves water retention.

Pruning and Pinching

Cut back your gypsum wort in late winter or early spring to encourage bushy growth. Remove spent flowers to extend the flowering period. Light pruning after flowering keeps the plant compact.

Fertilizing

A balanced fertilizer application in spring is generally sufficient. In poor soils, supplement with organic fertilizer during the growing season. Avoid excess nitrogen, which would favor foliage at the expense of flowers.

Diseases and Pests

Gypsum wort is very hardy and rarely subject to diseases. In conditions of excessive moisture and poor ventilation, powdery mildew may occasionally appear. Remove affected parts and improve air circulation around the plant.

Did you know?

European gypsum wort was long used in folk medicine for its supposed anti-perspiring properties, earning it the nickname 'plant of cold sweats.' Its scientific name, Lycopus, literally means 'wolf's foot' in ancient Greek, a mysterious designation whose origin remains debated among botanists.

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.