Overview

Sideritis syriaca subsp. syriaca is a plant with a low-growing subshrub habit in the genus Sideritis, part of the Lamiaceae family, with green, aromatic foliage. Sideritis syriaca subsp. syriaca grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include herbaceous border, rock garden and container.

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.

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 4.0Sideritis

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Sideritis

Sunlight
Full sun
Soil type
Loam
Soil pH
Neutral
Soil moisture
Well-drained
Aspect
South-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H5

Plant details

Sideritis syriaca subsp. syriaca size, habit and characteristics

Habit
Low-growing subshrub
Foliage
Green, aromatic
Suggested uses
Herbaceous border, rock garden, container

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Sideritis syriaca subsp. syriaca

Propagation
Seed, semi-ripe cuttings
Pest resistance
Resistant to deer and rabbits
Disease resistance
Resistant to powdery mildew

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Sideritis syriaca subsp. syriaca?

Sideritis syriaca subsp. syriaca prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Sideritis syriaca subsp. syriaca need?

Sideritis syriaca subsp. syriaca grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.

Is Sideritis syriaca subsp. syriaca hardy in the UK?

Sideritis syriaca subsp. syriaca has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.

How do I propagate Sideritis syriaca subsp. syriaca?

Seed, semi-ripe cuttings.