Lycopus europaeus

RHS Plant Profile
gypsywort

Other common names

green archangel, marsh hoarhound, marsh horehound, water hoarhound, water horehound, ilys y sipswn

Plants for pollinators
Herbaceous Perennial Bogs

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

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Poorly–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Lamiaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Genus
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