Lycopus europaeus
green archangel
A clump-forming perennial to 80cm tall, spread by slender rhizomes, with hairy stems and oval, pinnately lobed mid-green leaves. Small white flowers to 4mm across, in dense whorls are produced at the base of the uppermost leaves, from midsummer to early autumn
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Native to the UK
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grows in wet places, by streamsides and canals and suits a wide range of soil types but is best grown as a wildflower in an open position in moisture-retentive fertile soil in full sun or part shade
Propagation
Propagate by seed or propagate by division of the rhizomes in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildflower meadow
- Wildlife gardens
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.