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Marrubium vulgare

Marrubium vulgare
Horehound, White Horehound, Common Horehound, Hound's Bane, Marrube, Marvel, Maw-roll

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More information

A perennial plant from our native flora that forms a clump 30 to 50cm (12 to 20in) tall. Its upright stems bear thick, wrinkled, whitish and cottony leaves that release a thyme-like scent when crushed. Small white flowers bloom in the axils of the small leaves that adorn the upper part of the stems. This nectar-rich and honey-rich flowering occurs from May to September. In phytotherapy, white horehound is used for respiratory tract disorders. It is cultivated in the sun, in any well-drained soil, even limestone and dry. It is hardy to -20°C (-4°F). 
Ease of cultivation
Amateur
Height at maturity
40 cm
Spread at maturity
40 cm
Exposure
Sun
Soil moisture
Dry soil, Moist soil
Best planting time April to May
Recommended planting time February to May, September to October
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Flowering time May to September, November
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Harvest time May to September
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Description

Marrubium vulgare, better known as white horehound or common horehound, is an indigenous plant related to sage (Lamiaceae family). It is a very hardy perennial that requires little water. Its thick, wavy, whitish and cottony leaves release a fairly strong odour reminiscent of thyme when crushed. Its long-lasting flowering is white and rather inconspicuous, but it is popular with bees. In traditional medicine and phytotherapy, white horehound is used for respiratory ailments. It thrives in the sun, in any well-drained soil, even limestone and dry in summer.

White horehound is native to southern Europe, North Africa, and Asia. Depending on the region, it is also known as common horehound or Virgin herb. In nature, it is found on the edges of roads, in dry meadows and wastelands, in the sun, on often limestone and well-drained land. The plant, which resembles a greyish mint, forms a clump of leafy stems reaching 30 to 50cm (12 to 20in) in height. These upright stems with square cross-sections are covered with a greyish felting. They bear thick, wavy, whitish and cottony leaves, measuring 2 to 5cm (1 to 2in) long. The foliage is aromatic when crushed. The nectar and honey-producing flowering, like that of many Lamiaceae, extends from May to September. Small bilabiate white flowers bloom in the axils of the small leaves that line the upper part of the stems. The deciduous foliage is absent in winter.

Horehound is a lovely rockery, field, or naturalistic plant. This perennial pairs well with lavender, thyme, common sage, oregano, and other savoury herbs. All these aromatic plants thrive in sunny, well-drained soils, even poor, limestone and dry ones. In phytotherapy, it is used in infusion, decoction, or macerated in wine. Its cooked leaves are edible, but their bitterness is not appreciated by our palate.

Harvest

Harvest time May to September
Type of vegetable Aromatic
Vegetable colour grey
Size of vegetable Small
Flavour bitter

Plant habit

Height at maturity 40 cm
Spread at maturity 40 cm
Growth rate fast

Foliage

Foliage persistence Deciduous
Foliage colour grey or silver
Aromatic? Fragrant foliage when creased
Foliage description fragrance similar to thyme
Product reference 173091

Planting and care

White horehound appreciates well-drained, not too rich, slightly alkaline soils, that are slightly moist to dry. Plant it in full sun. Plant in spring, from March to June. It can be grown in open ground, provided it is given well-drained, slightly rocky or sandy soil that does not retain too much water.

In open ground: Space the plants 50cm (20in) apart in rows and 80cm (32in) between rows. Dig a hole (3 times the volume of the root ball), place the root ball and cover with fine soil. Firmly press and water. Hoe and weed regularly, especially at the beginning of cultivation.

In pots: Place a layer of gravel or clay balls at the bottom of the pot to facilitate drainage. Fill the pot with a mixture of potting soil, garden soil, and sand. Place the root ball, cover with soil, and firm. Water regularly, but without excess.

During cultivation, water moderately, as horehound is sensitive to excess moisture. In pots, watering should be regular but spaced out, and water should not stagnate in the saucer.

At the end of winter, prune lightly to maintain its bushy habit. Remove faded flowers if you want to avoid spontaneous sowing.

7
19,50 €
18
14,50 € Each

Cultivation

Best planting time April to May
Recommended planting time February to May, September to October

Care

Soil moisture Tolerant
Disease resistance Very good

Intended location

Type of use Edge of border, Container, Slope
Ease of cultivation Amateur
Soil well-drained
Exposure Sun
Soil pH Neutral, Calcareous
Soil type Chalky (poor, alkaline and well-drained), Stony (poor and well-drained), 130,187

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