Growing
This hardy perennial is a standout choice for creating a lush, pollinator-friendly environment. Because it spreads via underground rhizomes, you can expect it to establish itself firmly in your garden, making it an excellent option for filling in gaps or creating a textured ground cover. It is particularly well-suited for areas with damp soil, as it handles moisture well, but it remains versatile enough to thrive in various light conditions from shade to full sun.
When establishing your plants from seed, cuttings, or division, keep in mind that the foliage has a naturally bitter taste. This characteristic makes the plant quite resistant to grazing animals, providing a reliable way to protect your garden borders from deer or rabbits. The upright, square stems and small side branches create a robust structure that attracts a wide variety of beneficial insects, including bumblebees, honey bees, and butterflies, which use the lower lip of the flower as a landing platform.
If you are growing this in containers, ensure the pot allows for the plant's natural spreading habit. As the plant matures, its ability to send out runners helps it form dense clumps. This makes it a wonderful choice for suppressing weeds in moist garden beds or stabilizing slopes where other plants might struggle with wet conditions.
Plant Witch