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Herbaceous PerennialBogs

Lycopus europaeus
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

gypsywort

A clump-forming perennial to 80cm tall, spread by slender rhizomes, with hairy stems and oval, pinnately lobed mid-green leaves. Small white flowers to 4mm across, in dense whorls are produced at the base of the uppermost leaves, from midsummer to early autumn

Other common names
gypsywort
marsh hoarhound
see moremarsh horehound
water hoarhound
water horehound
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer White Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Lamiaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Name status

Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Grows in wet places, by streamsides and canals and suits a wide range of soil types but is best grown as a wildflower in an open position in moisture-retentive fertile soil in full sun or part shade

Propagation

Propagate by seed or propagate by division of the rhizomes in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Wildlife gardens
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

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