The Story
Plant Bio
Leonurus cardiaca, commonly known as motherwort, is an upright herbaceous perennial distinguished by its square, four-angled branching stems and opposite, deeply lobed leaves. During summer, the plant produces dense whorls of small, two-lipped tubular flowers clustered in the upper leaf axils.
This species is highly resilient, utilizing a dormant rootstock to survive harsh winters down to USDA Zone 3. The foliage contains bitter glycosides and alkaloids, rendering the plant highly resistant to most mammalian herbivores and common garden pests.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
48"
Width
36"
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Moderate to high
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Europe and Asia (Eurasia)
Toxicity
Contains alkaloids (leonurine); avoid during pregnancy
Bloom period
Summer – Late summer
In flower about 3 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a site with full sun to partial shade and moist, well-draining loamy soil.
- Sow seeds directly on the soil surface in early spring, pressing them lightly into the earth without burying them deeply.
- Water consistently to keep the soil moderately moist until seedlings emerge and establish their root systems.
- Space individual plants 24 to 36 inches apart to allow adequate air circulation and prevent powdery mildew.
Pro Tip
Prune the flowering stems back to the ground in late winter to maintain a tidy habit, and deadhead spent blooms early to prevent aggressive self-seeding in open soil.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Deadhead spent flower spikes to control self-seeding.
- Ensure the soil drains well to prevent root rot.
- Provide adequate spacing between plants to maximize air circulation.
Don't
- Do not over-fertilize, as excess nutrients cause weak, leggy stems.
- Do not plant in low-lying, waterlogged areas where water pools.
- Do not handle crushed foliage without gloves if you have sensitive skin.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Propagate | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Motherwort questions
What zones can Motherwort grow in?
Motherwort is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
When does Motherwort bloom?
Motherwort typically blooms in summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Motherwort need full sun?
Motherwort does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Motherwort drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Motherwort handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Motherwort with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.