About
Horminum pyrenaicum, dragon's mouth, is a compact, clump-forming perennial with basal rosettes of wrinkled, toothed, aromatic, dark-green leaves. In summer, erect, leafy stems to 30 cm bear whorls of nodding, violet-blue, two-lipped flowers resembling a small sage. A charming and ornamental alpine for a sunny, well-drained rock garden or front of border.
About the genus
Horminum pyrenaicum, dragon's mouth, is a monotypic perennial genus related to Salvia, native to the Pyrenees and Alps. It produces basal rosettes of wrinkled, aromatic foliage and whorled spikes of violet-blue, two-lipped flowers in summer.
Plant details
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in partial or full shade, with shelter from cold, drying winds. Mulch generously in spring. See hosta cultivation
PruningRemove spent flower stems and clear up dead foliage as it dies back at the end of the growing season
PropagationPropagate by division in late summer or early spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs, snails and vine weevil
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to virus diseases