Parietaria judaica

RHS Plant Profile
pellitory-of-the-wall

Other common names

murlys

Synonyms

Parietaria ramiflora
Parietaria diffusa

Herbaceous Perennial

Common throughout the British Isles, a rather sprawly plant with stems up to 40cm long, narrowly oval, dark green leaves with prominent veins, and whorls of tiny red flowers circling the stems from mid-summer into autumn. All parts of the plant have a fine covering of short, soft, white hairs. Related to stinging nettles, it is a food plant for red admiral caterpillars

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–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
H4
Drought Resistance
Yes

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Urticaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Europe

How to Grow

Cultivation

Naturally found on rocks, cliffs and steep banks but also on old walls, rubble and pavements. Not too fussy about conditions, but soil must be well-drained

Propagation

Propagate by seed or by division

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Rock garden
  • Banks and slopes
  • Wall side borders

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free