About
Common throughout the British Isles, a rather sprawly plant with stems up to 40cm long, narrowly oval, dark green leaves with prominent veins, and whorls of tiny red flowers circling the stems from mid-summer into autumn. All parts of the plant have a fine covering of short, soft, white hairs. Related to stinging nettles, it is a food plant for red admiral caterpillars.
About the genus
Parietaria comprises a group of plants, ranging from herbaceous perennials to shrubs or small trees. Species within the genus display a variety of growth habits and are cultivated for their decorative or practical qualities
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Rock garden
Native toEurope
Care notes
CultivationNaturally found on rocks, cliffs and steep banks but also on old walls, rubble and pavements. Not too fussy about conditions, but soil must be well-drained
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed or by division
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free