Overview
Sideritis syriaca is a compact, mounding perennial in the genus Sideritis, part of the Lamiaceae family, with grey-green, woolly foliage. It typically grows around 0.4 m tall. Sideritis syriaca grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam and sand soils and alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3. Suggested uses include herbaceous border, rock garden and container planting. It is native to Kriti, Lebanon-Syria and Türkiye.
About
Sideritis syriaca, commonly known as ironwort, is a species of perennial flowering plant native to Albania, Greece, Crete, Turkey, and Syria in the eastern Mediterranean. It grows at high elevations in the mountains.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Sideritis syriaca
About the genus
Sideritis, also known as ironwort, mountain tea and shepherd's tea, is a genus of flowering plants known for their use as herbal medicine, commonly as a herbal tea. They are abundant in Mediterranean regions, the Balkans, the Iberian Peninsula and Macaronesia, but can also be found in Central Europe and temperate Asia.
Wikipedia contributors, "Sideritis", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Sideritis
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Sideritis
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Alkaline
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H3
Plant details
Sideritis syriaca size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Habit
- Compact, Mounding
- Foliage
- Grey-green, Woolly
- Height
- 0.4 m
- Suggested uses
- Herbaceous border, Rock garden, Container planting
- Native to
- Kriti, Lebanon-Syria, Türkiye
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Sideritis syriaca
- Propagation
- Seed, Semi-ripe cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to powdery mildews
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Sideritis syriaca?
Sideritis syriaca prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Sideritis syriaca need?
Sideritis syriaca grows best in loam and sand soil. It prefers alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How big does Sideritis syriaca grow?
Sideritis syriaca reaches a height of 0.4 m.
Is Sideritis syriaca hardy in the UK?
Sideritis syriaca has an RHS hardiness rating of H3, meaning it is half-hardy, tolerating -5 to 1°C, and may need winter protection in colder areas.
How do I propagate Sideritis syriaca?
Seed, Semi-ripe cuttings.