Scrophulariaceae
water betony: Medicinal Uses & Care Tips
Scrophularia auriculata
This plant requires consistently wet or boggy soil and prefers partial shade to full sun. It is best suited for pond edges or water gardens where its roots can remain moist at all times.
Every 3 days
Partial shade
5° - 25°C
60% - 90%
Categories
What is water betony?
water betony (Scrophularia auriculata) is a medium-care plant from the Scrophulariaceae family. Scrophularia auriculata, commonly known as water betony or water figwort, is a robust herbaceous perennial native to Western Europe and North Africa. It is characterized by its square, winged stems and dark green, ovate leaves with rounded teeth. The plant produces small, globular, reddish-brown to...
water betony grows up to 1.2m, spread of 60cm, watering every 3 days, 5°C â 25°C, 60â90% humidity. It is not suitable for indoor environments and not safe for pets.
Without precautions, ingestion can cause irritation in pets. Keep out of reach of cats and dogs.
How to Care for water betony?
TLDR: water betony needs Partial shade, watering every 3 days, and temperatures between 5-25°C with 60-90% humidity.
How Often Should You Water water betony?
Never allow the soil to dry out; if not planted in a pond, water daily during summer months.
How Much Light Does water betony Need?
While it tolerates full sun, it performs best in dappled shade in hotter climates to prevent leaf scorch.
What Is the Best Soil for water betony?
Use a heavy, clay-based soil enriched with organic matter that can retain significant moisture.
What Pot Should You Use for water betony?
Best grown in a pond basket or a large, non-porous container that can hold water.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 30 days
What Is water betony and Where Does It Come From?
Scrophularia auriculata, commonly known as water betony or water figwort, is a robust herbaceous perennial native to Western Europe and North Africa. It is characterized by its square, winged stems and dark green, ovate leaves with rounded teeth. The plant produces small, globular, reddish-brown to maroon flowers that are highly attractive to wasps and bees. It thrives in damp habitats such as riverbanks, ditches, and pond margins.
How to Propagate water betony?
Seed Sowing
- Do not cover seeds as they may need light to germinate.
- Ensure the soil never dries out during the germination phase.
- 1 Sow Seeds
Sow seeds on the surface of a damp, peat-free compost mix.
- 2 Maintain Moisture
Keep the tray in a cold frame or unheated greenhouse; the seeds require a period of cold to germinate.
- 3 Transplant
Once seedlings are large enough to handle, move them to individual pots before planting out in spring.
Materials needed:
Root Division
- Keep divisions well-watered until they are established.
- Spring division allows the plant to recover during the peak growing season.
- 1 Lift the Plant
Carefully dig up an established clump in early spring.
- 2 Divide Roots
Use a sharp spade or knife to divide the root mass into smaller sections, ensuring each has several buds.
- 3 Replant
Immediately replant the divisions into wet soil at their original depth.
Materials needed:
How Big Does water betony Grow?
TLDR: water betony can reach up to 1.2m tall with Medium growth rate.
Max height
1.2m
Spread
60cm
Growth rate
Medium
Foliage
Semi-evergreen
Warning: Toxic Plant
This plant can be toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of:
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Medicinal
Medicinal properties
Medicinal Uses
- Traditional treatment for skin inflammations
- Historical use for scrofula
- Wound healing poultices
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
Meaning & Symbolism
Historically associated with protection and the healing of 'the King's Evil' (scrofula).
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