About
Leonurus cardiaca, motherwort, is a deciduous, herbaceous perennial with deeply lobed, palmate, green foliage and whorls of purple-pink to white, two-lipped flowers with purple-spotted lips around the upright stem in summer. Historically used medicinally for heart-related conditions, it is also an excellent nectar plant for pollinators. Honey made from the nectar has a strong, mint-like flavour. A useful and ornamental wildflower for a sunny, informal border.
About the genus
Leonurus are flowering herbs and shrubs native to Europe and Asia, key plants in Chinese herbal medicine, with lance-shaped or deeply lobed, palmate green foliage and whorls of tubular, orange-red or purple-pink to white flowers on upright stems in summer.
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, Cottage and informal garden, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
Native toEurope, from Scandinavia to N Spain, Italy and Greece, naturalised in S Britain
Care notes
CultivationGrow 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
PruningCut back after flowering
PropagationPrefers well-drained, poor soil but wiill grow almost anywhere and can cope with heavy soils
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free