About
Scrophularia auriculata, the water figwort, is a hardy, tough perennial to 90 cm with square stems and oval, wrinkled, dark-green leaves. Small, yellow-green flowers with a reddish-brown upper lip are borne in clusters from early summer to early autumn. A rewarding native plant for a moist, sunny border, bog garden or pondside.
About the genus
Scrophularia, the figworts, are herbaceous perennials and subshrubs with broad leaves in pairs on square stems and small, two-lipped flowers in loose terminal clusters in summer. Native to a wide range of habitats from dry scrub to pondside.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisturePoorly-drained, Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial, Bogs
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesWildlife gardens
Native toEurasia
Care notes
CultivationGrow in permanently damp soil in a bog garden or wildlife garden in partial shade
PruningCut back all old growth to ground level at the end of the growing season
PropagationPropagate by seed or division in spring or autumn. For more information, see Division
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs, caterpillars and figwort weevils
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free