Care of the plant Leonurus cardiaca or Motherwort |
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The genus Leonurus, family Lamiaceae, comprises 80 species of herbaceous plants native to Asia and Europe. Some species are: Leonurus cardiaca, Leonurus japonicus, Leonurus parviflorus, Leonurus villosus, Leonurus artemisia. Common names: Motherwort, Throw-wort, Lion's ear, Lion's tail. This species is native to Siberia and central Asia. They are herbaceous plants with a quadrangular stem and erect bearing that reach 1 meter (3.28 feet) in height. These plants give off an unpleasant aroma. The leaves have an opposite arrangement, are divided into 3 lobes and are dark green on the upper surface and whitish on the underside. The flowers appear in whorls along the stem and are purple in color. They bloom in summer and early fall. Motherwort is used for the production of phytotherapy and pharmacy products for its medicinal properties. In the garden it's used in small groups or as isolated specimens in low maintenance and difficult to access areas. Leonurus cardiaca can grow in full sun or semi-shade exposures. It resists frost well. If the summer is very hot (Mediterranean climate) it's better to place it in semi-shade. Throw-wort can grow in any type of soil except compact and clay soils. Water moderately waiting for the substrate to be dry. Fertilize with manure at planting time and with slow-release mineral fertilizer in early summer. Pruning is not necessary. Leonurus cardiaca is a resistant plant to the usual pests and diseases. Lion's ear propagates from seeds sown in the nursery in late summer; seedlings are transplanted in spring. |
Images of the plant Leonurus cardiaca or Motherwort |
 Leonurus cardiaca  Leonurus cardiaca |