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Herbaceous Perennial

Leonurus cardiaca

motherwort

A deciduous, herbaceous perennial wildflower with deeply-lobed palmate green foliage and whorls of purple-pink to white flowers with purple-spotted lips around a central stem which appear in the summer. Known for it's historical use in medicine for heart-related issues and also a great source of nectar for pollinating insects. Honey made from the nectar of this plant has a strong, mint-like flavour

Other common names
lion's ear
lion's tail
see moremotherwort
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Purple Pink White Green
Autumn
Winter
Position
  • Partial shade
Aspect

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

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Lamiaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Name status

Correct

Plant range
Europe, from Scandinavia to N Spain, Italy and Greece, naturalised in S Britain

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow from seed (these may benefit from being cold-stratified) or by rooted cuttings taken from established plants. Grow in well-drained soil in sun or part shade

Propagation

Prefers well-drained, poor soil but wiill grow almost anywhere and can cope with heavy soils

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

Cut back after flowering

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

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