Clammy hedge-hyssop (Gratiola neglecta)

Also known as: Hedge Hyssop, Clammy Hedge-Hyssop

The plant features lanceolate to oval leaves positioned opposite each other along the stem. These leaves can reach up to 5 centimeters in length and may have toothed margins. The flowers are organized in a raceme, comprising nearly cylindrical, tubular, whitish blossoms, each approximately 1 centimeter in length. Surrounding the base of each flower is a fringe of five pointed sepals. The fruit is a round capsule measuring about 0.5 centimeters in diameter.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Clammy hedge-hyssop

Lifespan

Annual

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

10 cm to 30 cm

Spread

5-20 cm

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

0.5-1 cm

Flower Color

White with purple spots

Images of Clammy hedge-hyssop

Quickly Identify Clammy hedge-hyssop

Identify Gratiola neglecta by its lanceolate, opposite leaves, and small, tubular flowers that are typically white with purple spots. The plant tends to grow in moist soil and forms low mats.

Scientific Classification of Clammy hedge-hyssop

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Lamiales

Family

Plantain

Genus

Gratiola

Species

Clammy hedge-hyssop

Planting and Growing of Clammy hedge-hyssop

Care Difficulty

Moderate

Watering Schedule

Every 4 days

Sunlight Requirements

Partial sun

Sunshine Duration

4-8 hours

Ideal Temperature

60-75℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Terracotta

How to Water Clammy hedge-hyssop?

For Gratiola neglecta, the goal is to keep the soil consistently moist, yet not waterlogged. Aim for approximately 250 milliliters of water per session, ensuring the top inch of the soil is wet but not too soggy. Check the soil moisture regularly to avoid any risk of root rot.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Clammy hedge-hyssop? ›

What should I do if my Clammy hedge-hyssop is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Clammy hedge-hyssop? ›

How to save an overwatered Clammy hedge-hyssop? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Clammy hedge-hyssop?

Sunlight Requirements: Partial sun

Duration of light: 4 to 6 hours

Partial sun is optimal for Gratiola neglecta, providing balanced light exposure without harsh midday sun. Ideal lighting conditions ensure robust foliage and prolific flowering, promoting plant vitality and resilience.

What is the optimal sunlight for Gratiola neglecta? ›

How can you achieve the ideal lighting for this plant? ›

What benefits does ideal lighting provide to Gratiola neglecta? ›

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Clammy hedge-hyssop?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 75℉

Gratiola neglecta thrives best within a temperature range of 60°F to 75°F. This range supports optimal growth, encouraging robust plant health and flowering. It's important to maintain consistent temperatures within this range to ensure successful cultivation.

What Soil is Best for Clammy hedge-hyssop?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam, Peat soil

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Gratiola neglecta thrives in soil that retains moisture well without becoming waterlogged. This ensures the plant receives sufficient hydration, which promotes healthy growth and vibrant foliage. The plant benefits from a nutrient-rich soil, providing essential minerals and organic matter that fuel robust root and stem development. This aids in the plant’s resilience and flower production. Soil with good aeration prevents root rot and allows for efficient gas exchange. This encourages healthy root systems and overall plant vitality.

How to Fertilize Clammy hedge-hyssop?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

Gratiola neglecta, also known as the clammy hedgehyssop, thrives in nutrient-rich conditions. However, over-fertilization can stress the plant. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength once a month during the growing season, providing adequate nutrients without overwhelming the plant.

How to Prune Clammy hedge-hyssop?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer, Autumn

Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to make precise cuts. Ensure tools are sanitized to avoid spreading diseases. Carefully examine the plant for dead or damaged stems, and trim these to promote healthy growth. Also, look for branches that are overcrowding. Start pruning from the top, working your way down. Remove about one-third of the length of overgrown shoots, making cuts just above a leaf node. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Clammy hedge-hyssop plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Early spring, Late spring, Summer

Collect seeds from mature Gratiola neglecta plants in late summer when the seed pods have dried. Ensure to dry the seeds thoroughly before storage to prevent mold or decay during the off-season.

Use a sterilized pruning shear to take 4-6 inch cuttings from a healthy plant during the growing season. Remove all leaves from the lower third of the cutting to reduce water loss during the rooting process.

Plant the seeds in a seed tray filled with a quality seed-starting mix. For cuttings, dip the cut ends in rooting hormone before placing them in a pot with well-draining soil mix. Water the soil lightly to encourage root establishment.

More About Propagating Techniques→

How to Repot Clammy hedge-hyssop plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 1-2 years

Gratiola neglecta exhibits signs of needing repotting when its roots become visible through the drainage holes or it shows stunted growth despite proper care. Ideally, repotting should take place during its active growing seasons, such as spring or early summer, to minimize stress and encourage recovery.

Select a pot one size larger than the current one, with ample drainage holes. This ensures that excess water can escape, preventing root rot. The slightly increased size gives roots space to expand, promoting healthier growth and stability for the plant.

Choose a nutrient-rich, well-draining soil mixture to provide an optimal environment for Gratiola neglecta. This type of soil retains necessary moisture while allowing for air circulation, preventing waterlogged roots and ensuring the plant receives adequate nutrition.

Toxicity

Ingestion

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.