About
Lycopus europaeus, gypsywort, is a clump-forming, rhizomatous perennial to 80 cm with hairy stems and oval, pinnately lobed, mid-green leaves. Small, white flowers to 4 mm across are produced in dense whorls at the base of the uppermost leaves from midsummer to early autumn. A rewarding native plant for a moist border or pond margin.
About the genus
Lycopus, the bugweeds or gypsyworts, are rhizomatous perennials with toothed or lobed leaves and dense whorls of tiny, white flowers in summer and autumn. Native to moist habitats in the Northern Hemisphere.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial, Bogs
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesWildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationGrows in wet places, by streamsides and canals and suits a wide range of soil types but is best grown as a wildflower in an open position in moisture-retentive fertile soil in full sun or part shade
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed or propagate by division of the rhizomes in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free