Scrophularia auriculata
water figwort
A hardy, robust, perennial with square stems and oval, wrinkled dark green leaves to a height of 90cm. Small yellow-green flowers with a reddish-brown upper lip are borne in bunches from early summer to early autumn
Other common names
brook betonybrownwort
see morefiddlewood
stinking Christopher
water betony
water figwort
Synonyms
Scrophularia aquatica misappliedScrophularia balbisii Hornem.
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Poorly–drained, Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Red Yellow Green | Green | ||
Autumn | Red Yellow Green | |||
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Scrophulariaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- 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
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Eurasia
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in permanently damp soil in a bog garden or wildlife garden in partial shade
Propagation
Propagate by seed or division in spring or autumn. For more information, see Division
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildlife gardens
Pruning
Cut back all old growth to ground level at the end of the growing season
Pests
May be susceptible to slugs, caterpillars and figwort weevils
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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