Green figwort (Scrophularia umbrosa)

Also known as: Water betony, Fiddlewood

Green figwort (Scrophularia umbrosa) and water figwort (Scrophularia auriculata) are perennial herbs that thrive in moist environments, but they have some distinct characteristics:

1. **Stem Appearance**:
- **Green Figwort**: Features a greener, more angular stem without winged ridges.
- **Water Figwort**: Has stems with noticeable winged ridges.

2. **Leaf Structure**:
- **Green Figwort**: Lacks leaf auricles (ear-like projections at the leaf base).
- **Water Figwort**: Often has prominent leaf auricles.

3. **Habitat**:
- **Green Figwort**: Found in nutrient-rich soils near water sources or in wet woodlands.
- **Water Figwort**: Prefers habitats directly associated with water bodies like riverbanks and marshes.

4. **Pollination**:
- **Green Figwort**: Typically pollinated by wasps and bees.
- **Water Figwort**: Attracts a similar range of pollinators.

These differences in stem and leaf morphology, as well as slight habitat preferences, help distinguish green figwort from water figwort.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting

Attributes of Green figwort

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

50-150 cm

Spread

Typically not measured due to growth habit

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

0.5-1.2 cm

Flower Color

Yellow Red Purple Green

Images of Green figwort

Quickly Identify Green figwort

To identify Scrophularia umbrosa, look for square stems and opposite leaves that are ovate to lance-shaped with serrated edges. The small, tubular flowers are key identifiers, usually brownish-purple and bunched in clusters.

Scientific Classification of Green figwort

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Lamiales

Family

Figwort

Genus

Figworts

Species

Green figwort

Planting and Growing of Green figwort

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 4 days

Sunlight Requirements

Partial sun

Sunshine Duration

6-8 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, Ceramic

How to Water Green figwort?

For Scrophularia umbrosa, it is essential to water until the soil is evenly moist, ensuring that excess water drains away. Aim to provide about 250 ml of water until the water slightly seeps through the drainage holes of the pot. This ensures that the roots are adequately hydrated while preventing waterlogging.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Green figwort? ›

What should I do if my Green figwort is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Green figwort? ›

How to save an overwatered Green figwort? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Green figwort?

Sunlight Requirements: Partial sun

Duration of light: 3 to 6 hours

Partial sun is ideal for Scrophularia umbrosa, yielding a balance between growth and protection from intense light. This setup ensures optimal photosynthesis, vibrant foliage, and strong structural health without the risk of leaf burn.

How much light does it need? ›

What happens if it gets too little light? ›

How to maximize light exposure without harm? ›

More About Sunlight Requirements Techniques→

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Green figwort?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 75℉

Scrophularia umbrosa thrives best within a temperature range of 60 to 75°F. This range supports optimal physiological processes such as photosynthesis and respiration, ensuring healthy growth and flowering. Maintaining these temperatures helps to prevent stress on the plant, contributing to its overall health and vigor.

What Soil is Best for Green figwort?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam, Clay soil

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Scrophularia umbrosa thrives in well-draining soil. This requirement helps prevent root rot, a common issue for many plants, ensuring the roots get enough oxygen and nutrients without sitting in water. While drainage is important, the soil should also retain enough moisture. Loamy soil is ideal as it strikes a balance between retaining moisture and ensuring excess water doesn't pool around the roots. Providing nutrient-rich soil helps Scrophularia umbrosa grow robustly. Loamy soil often contains sufficient organic matter, nourishing the plant and supporting healthy development and flowering.

How to Fertilize Green figwort?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

For Scrophularia umbrosa, it is recommended to use a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10. Approximately 1 tablespoon per gallon of water should do the trick when using liquid fertilizers. Ensure the soil is moist before application to prevent any root burn.

How to Prune Green figwort?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer

Start by removing any dead, damaged, or diseased stems. This prevents the spread of diseases and allows the healthy parts of the plant to thrive. Trim the outer stems to shape the plant and maintain its natural form. This not only makes the plant look neat but also encourages new growth and better blooms. Pruning should also focus on improving air circulation by thinning out crowded areas. Increased airflow helps prevent fungal issues and keeps the plant healthy. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Green figwort plant?

Propagate Time: Spring,Late spring,Early spring,Autumn,Late autumn,Early autumn

Begin by collecting seeds from mature Scrophularia umbrosa plants. Clean the seeds to remove any debris before planting. Sow seeds lightly on seed trays filled with a soilless seed-starting mix.

Select healthy, disease-free stems for cuttings in late spring. Use pruning shears to cut below a node, ensuring each cutting has at least two nodes. Remove the lower leaves before planting.

During early spring, gently dig up the plant clump. Use a sharp tool to divide the rootball into smaller sections, ensuring each section has roots attached. Replant the divisions promptly to avoid drying out.

More About Propagating Techniques→

How to Repot Green figwort plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2 years

Repot your Scrophularia umbrosa when you notice roots pushing through the drainage holes, or when the soil dries out too quickly after watering. These signs indicate that the plant has outgrown its current pot and requires more space to thrive.

Select a pot that is 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current one. This allows the roots room to expand without overwhelming the plant with excess soil. A pot with adequate drainage holes will prevent water accumulation that can lead to root rot.

Opt for a well-draining potting mix enriched with organic matter. This kind of soil retains the necessary moisture without becoming waterlogged, offering a balanced environment for Scrophularia umbrosa to grow healthily.