Overview
Lycopus hirtus is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Lycopus, part of the Lamiaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Lycopus hirtus 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 hirtus is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial belonging to the Lamiaceae family, well-suited to boggy conditions. It is deciduous and thrives in a range of soil types including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, tolerating acid, alkaline, and neutral pH levels. This hardy plant (H7) prefers moist but well-drained or poorly-drained soils and can grow in full sun or partial shade, facing any direction. It is ideal for wildflower meadows and wildlife gardens, with interest in spring and summer, and can be propagated by seed or division of rhizomes in spring.
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 hirtus 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 hirtus
- 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 hirtus?
Lycopus hirtus prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Lycopus hirtus need?
Lycopus hirtus 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 hirtus hardy in the UK?
Lycopus hirtus 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 hirtus?
Seed, Division of rhizomes in spring.