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Herbaceous PerennialBogs

Scrophularia auriculata
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

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 betony
brownwort
see morefiddlewood
stinking Christopher
water betony
water figwort
Synonyms
Scrophularia aquatica misapplied
Scrophularia balbisii Hornem.
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Poorly–drained, Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
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
H7
Botanical 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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