Overview
Lycopus americanus is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Lycopus, part of the Lamiaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Lycopus americanus grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include wildflower meadow and wildlife gardens.
About
Lycopus americanus, commonly known as water bugle or water horehound, is a clump-forming deciduous plant in the Lamiaceae family. It thrives in full sun or partial shade and is adaptable to various soil types, including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, with a preference for moist but well-drained or poorly-drained conditions. Hardy to UK zone H7, it is suitable for wildflower meadows and wildlife gardens. This cultivar is best grown in fertile, well-drained soil and can be propagated by seed or division of rhizomes in spring, with interest in spring and summer seasons.
About the genus
Lycopus is a genus of herbaceous plants in the family Lamiaceae. The many species are known as water horehound, gypsywort, and bugleweed and are native to Europe, Asia, Australia, and North America. The species are most often found in wetlands, damp meadows, and stream banks.
Wikipedia contributors, "Lycopus", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Lycopus
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Lycopus
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
- Aspect
- North, South, East, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Lycopus americanus size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial, Bogs
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Lycopus americanus
- Propagation
- Seed, Division of rhizomes in spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Lycopus americanus?
Lycopus americanus prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Lycopus americanus need?
Lycopus americanus is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to poorly-drained.
Is Lycopus americanus hardy in the UK?
Lycopus americanus has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Lycopus americanus?
Seed, Division of rhizomes in spring.
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