Horehound
marrubium vulgare
Also known as: ["White Horehound","Common Horehound"]
Overview
A hardy perennial herb with woolly, grayish-green leaves and small white flowers, traditionally used for medicinal purposes.
Benefits & Perks
["medicinal use","culinary herb","deer resistant","drought tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Genus: | Marrubium |
| Botanical Name: | Marrubium vulgare |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: garden bed or container in a sunny spot
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with some organic matter. Tolerates poor soils but thrives with added compost.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Light pruning every 4–6 weeks during the growing season; heavy pruning in late winter or early spring.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate to heavy, depending on desired shape and harvest needs.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily). Tolerates partial shade but may become leggy.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight if moved from shade. Protect from harsh midday sun in hot climates to prevent scorching. Indoors, place near a south-facing window.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light in summer; avoid shaded spots for best growth.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Soil
well-drained, sandy loam
pH: Slightly alkaline to neutral (pH 6.5–7.5).
Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with organic matter for better growth.
Temperature
Prefers moderate to warm temperatures (65–85°F or 18–29°C). Tolerates mild frosts but thrives in warmth.
Protect from frost; ensure good air circulation in heat; adjust watering with temperature changes.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season, none in winter
Apply fertilizer after watering to prevent root burn; stop feeding in late fall to allow dormancy; use organic options like compost tea for gentle feeding.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division. Stem cuttings are the most common method for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone (optional).
- Plant in moist medium.
- Keep humid and warm.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (70–75°F or 21–24°C), humid, and bright but indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix (e.g., perlite and peat moss) or sandy soil.
Hormone
Optional but recommended for faster rooting.
Timeline
Roots develop in 2–4 weeks; plants can be transplanted after 6–8 weeks.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining soil mix.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back tips for bushiness; cut stems just above a leaf node; remove dead or yellowing leaves.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead or diseased growth. Also prune to harvest leaves for medicinal use.
Tools
Pruning shears, gloves, clean cutting tools.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune during dry weather; remove dead/diseased parts; shape as desired.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Choose a pot 1–2 inches larger in diameter than the current one.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim any circling roots; place in a new pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water lightly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot. Young plants may need repotting annually.
Checklist
Select appropriate pot size; use fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Water until it drains from the bottom, but avoid waterlogging. Water in the morning to reduce evaporation and fungal risk.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once every 1–2 weeks during active growth, reducing frequency to once a month in winter. Adjust based on soil dryness and weather conditions.
Soil Improvement
Add coarse sand or perlite to improve drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure soil is not compacted.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Yellowing leaves (cold stress), wilting or browning leaf edges (heat stress), stunted growth.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and can cause leaf drop or damage if below 20°F (-6°C).
Solution: Move potted plants indoors or to a sheltered location during freezes. Mulch around the base of in-ground plants for insulation.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause leaf scorch, wilting, and reduced flowering if combined with drought stress.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade in extreme heat, increase watering frequency, and use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; fertilize during active growth; avoid winter feeding; apply to moist soil.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during the growing season (spring to early fall). Avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicHorehound is not considered toxic to cats. There are no known toxic effects associated with this plant in feline species.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicHorehound is not considered toxic to dogs. It is occasionally used in small amounts in some pet treats or natural remedies for respiratory health.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Humans
Non-toxicMarrubium vulgare, commonly known as horehound, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. It has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly for respiratory ailments, and is often used in cough drops and teas.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Horehound safe for pets?
A: Yes, Horehound is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: What are the traditional uses of Horehound?
A: Horehound has been used for centuries to treat respiratory issues, such as coughs and colds, often in the form of candy or tea.
Q: How does Horehound grow?
A: Horehound is a hardy perennial that thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, tolerating drought conditions well.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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