Overview

Hyoscyamus niger is a plant with a herbaceous perennial habit in the genus Hyoscyamus, part of the Solanaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Hyoscyamus niger grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include border, cottage garden and herbaceous border.

About

Hyoscyamus niger is an herbaceous perennial in the nightshade family that flowers from July to September. It has deciduous foliage and suits a full-sun position in a neutral, well-drained loam. Plant in a south-facing, sheltered spot where its summer bloom period can be seen from the border or cottage-garden paths. The species carries a UK hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is classed as hardy in most gardens.

About the genus

Hyoscyamus — known as the henbanes — is a genus of flowering plants in the nightshade family, Solanaceae. It comprises 31 species, all of which are toxic. It, along with other genera in the same family, is a source of the drug hyoscyamine (daturine).

Wikipedia contributors, "Hyoscyamus", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Hyoscyamus

In the garden

Hyoscyamus niger belongs to the family Solanaceae and grows as an herbaceous perennial with leaves that die back in winter. Flowering occurs from July to September, a clear summer window that lets it contribute to midsummer structure in mixed plantings. Sit it in full sun on a loam soil with a neutral pH and good drainage; a south-facing, sheltered aspect reduces exposure to cold winds and helps maintain healthy summer growth. The H5 hardiness rating indicates the plant is hardy across much of the UK, so planting at the correct aspect and in well-drained soil is more important than winter protection in typical conditions. Use Hyoscyamus niger in traditional borders, cottage-garden schemes or the herbaceous border where its summer flowering can be integrated with perennials and shrubs. Flowering from July to September provides a defined period of interest, so place it where those months are visible from seating areas or paths to make the most of its mid-summer presence.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Hyoscyamus

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil type

Loam

Soil pH

Neutral

Soil moisture

Well-drained

Aspect

South-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H5

Plant details

Hyoscyamus niger size, habit and characteristics

Habit

Herbaceous perennial

Foliage

Deciduous

Suggested uses

Border, Cottage garden, Herbaceous border

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Hyoscyamus niger

Propagation

Seed, Division

Pest resistance

Susceptible to aphids

Disease resistance

Susceptible to powdery mildew

Frequently asked questions