Overview

Morina longifolia is a bushy perennial in the genus Morina, part of the Caprifoliaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.6 m tall. Morina longifolia grows best in full sun, and tolerates sandy and loamy soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include borders, beds, courtyard gardens, cottage gardens, gravel gardens and rock gardens. It is native to Himalaya.

About

Morina longifolia is a perennial in the Caprifoliaceae, notable for its long leaves and fragrant foliage. It typically reaches about 0.6 m high and flowers in the UK from June to August. Plant it in full sun in a sandy or loamy, moist but well-drained soil. It suits gravel, rock and cottage-style settings where its scented leaves can be appreciated.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Morina longifolia

About the genus

Morina is a genus flowering plants in the family Caprifoliaceae. It includes 14 species native to Eurasia, ranging from southeastern Europe through Western and Central Asia to the Himalayas, China, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. It is named in honor of Louis Morin de Saint-Victor (1635–1715), a French physician, botanist and meteorologist.

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

In the garden

Morina longifolia is a perennial from the Himalaya, placed in the Caprifoliaceae and grown for its distinctive long leaves and scented foliage. In the UK it flowers from June to August and normally reaches around 0.6 m in height. Its native origins suit drier, well-drained sites with good sun exposure. Give Morina longifolia a sunny position and a free-draining soil based on sand or loam; the plant prefers soil that remains moist without waterlogging. It is fully hardy in UK terms (H7) and corresponds to USDA zones 5–9, so it tolerates cold winters when planted in an appropriate exposed, sunny spot. Avoid dense shade and heavy, water-retentive ground. Use it at the front of a border, in gravel or rock gardens, or in courtyard and cottage settings where its summer flowers and aromatic leaves will be noticed. The plant’s modest height makes it suitable for mixed beds and smaller garden areas. Positioning where the scented foliage can be brushed by a path or beside a seating area gives the most sensory benefit from its fragrant leaves.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Morina

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil type

Sandy, Loamy

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained

Aspect

South-facing, West-facing

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness

H7

Plant details

Morina longifolia size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Perennial

Habit

Bushy

Foliage

Evergreen

Height

0.6 m

Suggested uses

Borders, beds, courtyard gardens, cottage gardens, gravel gardens, rock gardens

Native to

Himalaya

Fragrance

Foliage

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Morina longifolia

Cultivation

Requires full sun and moist but well-drained sandy or loamy soil; avoid excessive shade to prevent rot

Propagation

Seed, division

Pest resistance

Slugs, Snails

Disease resistance

Rot

Frequently asked questions