Fine Herbs

Motherwort

Motherwort, an easy-to-grow medicinal perennial, produces discreet pink flowers that attract pollinators and integrates well into naturalized or medicinal herb gardens.

Size

Share
Hardiness 3 to 7
Difficulty level Easy level

Discover the plant

Motherwort

Motherwort, an easy-to-grow medicinal perennial, produces discreet pink flowers that attract pollinators and integrates well into naturalized or medicinal herb gardens.
FamilyLamiaceae

Motherwort is an aromatic and medicinal perennial plant with a natural habit, appreciated for its vertical silhouette, dissected foliage, and discreet but very useful flowering in the garden. It produces small pink to purple flowers clustered along the stems, which are very attractive to pollinators like bees and bumblebees. Its wild and light appearance fits perfectly into herb gardens, naturalized plantings, perennial beds, and medicinal plant gardens.

Easy to grow, motherwort prefers a sunny or partially shaded location, in well-drained, cool to moderately moist soil. Once established, it requires little maintenance and can form a beautiful clump over the seasons. Its vigorous growth makes it an interesting plant for adding height, texture, and a country feel to the garden, while promoting biodiversity thanks to its melliferous flowers.

Traditionally recognized as a medicinal plant, motherwort is mainly cultivated today for its botanical interest, ecological role, and natural charm. It is very well suited for wild-inspired gardens, perennial borders, and spaces where one wishes to integrate useful, hardy, and easy-to-maintain plants. An excellent perennial for creating a vibrant, natural garden rich in aromatic and medicinal plants.

Motherwort

Soil and care

The rightconditions.

Soil pH Neutral to slightly alkaline
Fertilization Compost in spring; avoid excess nitrogen
Care level Easy level
Seasonal care
Cut back dead stems in the fall or spring; may self-seed

Container growing

A controlledenvironment.

Yes, in a large, deep container
Motherwort

Bloom and dimensions

The completeprofile.

Bloom periodJune to September
Flower colorLilac to pale purple rose
Foliage colorMedium green
Foliage typeObsolete
Maximum height90 to 150 cm (36 to 60 inches)
Maximum width45 to 60 cm (18 to 24 inches)
Growth rateFast
Hardiness zone3 to 7
Minimum temperature-30°C
Motherwort

Garden associations

What to plantwith it.

Medicinal garden, pollinator garden, naturalized border, pot cultivation