About

An erect herbaceous perennial with square stems bearing ovate leaves with broad cream margins, and lax panicles of small brownish flowers.

About the genus

Scrophularia can be herbaceous perennials or sub-shrubs, with broad leaves in pairs on square stems, and small 2-lipped flowers in loose terminal clusters

Growing conditions

SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisturePoorly-drained
AspectNorth-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7

Plant details

Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial, Bogs
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens

Care notes

CultivationGrow in boggy soil in dappled or partial shade. Prevent seed formation, and green leaved seedlings, by removing flower stalks as they appear
PruningRemove flowering heads as they form
PropagationPropagate by division in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to damage by slugs, caterpillars and Figwort Weevil
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free