Horehound
Marrubium vulgare · Lamiaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant horehound: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- June to September, small white or pink flowers
- Adult size
- 0.50 to 1 m in height
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (-15°C)
- Origin
- Mediterranean Basin and Southern Europe
- Soil type
- Well-drained, chalky, poor to medium
Care
Exposure
Place your horehound in full sun or partial shade for good growth. It appreciates 6 to 8 hours of daily sunlight. This exposure promotes better foliage density and generous flowering.
Soil
Horehound tolerates poor soils and adapts very well to chalky or slightly alkaline soils. Well-drained soil is essential to avoid waterlogging. No special enrichment is necessary; it thrives even in spartan conditions.
Watering
Once established, horehound is very drought-resistant. Water moderately during the establishment phase (the first 2-3 months), then gradually reduce. During hot summer periods, occasional watering is enough; absolutely avoid persistent moisture which could promote rot.
Pruning and cutting
Light pruning in spring helps maintain a compact, bushy shape. You can cut back faded stems after flowering to encourage denser growth. This hardy plant doesn't require drastic pruning; it regenerates naturally.
Fertilizer
No fertilizer is necessary for horehound. It prefers lean soils and overfeeding would risk weakening its resilience. A light application of compost in autumn is plenty if the soil is very poor.
Diseases and pests
Horehound is very robust and hardly susceptible to diseases. Powdery mildew may appear in very humid conditions; in that case, improve air circulation and reduce watering. No major pests really affect it, making it a reliable and easy-care plant.
Did you know?
White horehound was once the key ingredient in horehound lozenges, popular sweets in Western Europe since the Middle Ages for soothing coughs and throat irritation. Its characteristic bitterness earned it the nickname 'cough herb,' and it was found in many traditional herbalists' recipes.
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
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.