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Herbaceous PerennialBogs

Scrophularia nodosa

common figwort

S. nodosa is aherbaceous perennial with green, sometimes bronzy, leaves and bronze stems. Tiny, hooded, brown and green flowers are produced in whorls on stout, square stems in summer and early autumn, followed by light brown seed capsules

Other common names
carpenter's square
great pilewort
see morekernel wort
knotted figwort
murrain grass
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Bronze Brown Green Green
Autumn Bronze Brown Green Green Brown
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Scrophulariaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright
Genus

Scrophularia can be herbaceous perennials or sub-shrubs, with broad leaves in pairs on square stems, and small 2-lipped flowers in loose terminal clusters

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Temp. N. Hemisphere

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist soil in sun or partial shade

Propagation

Propagate by seed, or by division in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Cut back after flowering unless seedheads are required

Pests

May be susceptible to damage by slugs, caterpillars and Figwort Weevil

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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