Lycopus ×sherardii Steele (pro Sp.)

Origin

Lycopus ×sherardii Steele (pro sp.) is a hybrid plant that belongs to the family Lamiaceae, which grows in North America and Europe. It is believed to have originated from the hybridization of two other Lycopus species, L. europaeus and L. americanus. The plant is commonly known as water horehound, gypsywort, and woolly whitehead.

Common Names

The plant has several common names, including water horehound, gypsywort, and woolly whitehead. Other common names include cut-leaved bugle, water bugle, bugleweed, and green archangel.

Uses

Lycopus ×sherardii Steele (pro sp.) has a wide range of medicinal uses. It has been traditionally used to treat respiratory infections, fever, anxiety, and menstrual cramps. The plant extracts have also been used to treat goiter, liver diseases, and high blood pressure. The herb is rich in tannins, flavonoids, and other phytochemicals that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

General Appearance

Lycopus ×sherardii Steele (pro sp.) is a perennial herbaceous plant that grows up to 80 cm tall. Its leaves are lanceolate and deeply serrated, with a dark green color and a woolly undersurface. The plant produces small white flowers that are arranged in dense clusters at the stem's terminus. The fruit is a four-parted nutlet that is approximately 1 cm long and brown. The stems and leaves of the plant have a distinct minty odor.

Light Requirements

Lycopus ×sherardii Steele (pro sp.) thrives in partially shaded to fully shaded environments. The plant is adapted to grow under a tree canopy where it receives indirect sunlight. Full sun exposure can cause the plant to wilt and suffer from heat stress.

Temperature Preferences

The plant is adaptable to a wide range of temperatures but prefers cool climates. During the summer, it can tolerate temperatures of up to 25°C, but temperatures above this can cause the plant to wither. During the winter, the plant can withstand temperatures as low as -20°C.

Soil Requirements

Lycopus ×sherardii Steele (pro sp.) prefers loamy soils that are well-drained and rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be slightly acidic (6.0 to 7.0) for optimal growth. The plant is not very tolerant of waterlogged soils and can develop root rot if exposed to excessive moisture for extended periods of time. Therefore, it is advisable to plant the species in elevated beds or soils with good drainage to ensure adequate aeration.

Cultivation Methods

Lycopus ×sherardii Steele (pro sp.) is an easy plant to cultivate, and it is perfect for beginners who want to explore gardening. It thrives in a wide range of soil conditions, but it prefers moist, well-drained soils with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. The plant grows best in partial shade, but it can tolerate a wide range of light conditions, including full sun and deep shade. It is hardy to USDA zones 3-8.

Watering Needs

Lycopus ×sherardii Steele (pro sp.) prefers moist soils and requires regular watering during its growing season to thrive. Gardeners should aim to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other diseases, while underwatering can cause stunted growth and reduced flowering. The plant benefits from a layer of organic mulch, which can help retain moisture in the soil and suppress weed growth.

Fertilization

Fertilization is not necessary for Lycopus ×sherardii Steele (pro sp.), but it can benefit from occasional applications of a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer during the growing season. Gardeners should be careful not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to excessive vegetative growth and reduced flowering. Slow-release fertilizers are a good choice for this plant because they release nutrients gradually over time, providing a steady supply of nutrients to the plant.

Pruning

Lycopus ×sherardii Steele (pro sp.) does not require much pruning, but gardeners may need to remove any dead or damaged leaves, stems, or flowers. The plant can also benefit from occasional thinning to promote good air circulation and reduce the risk of disease. Gardeners should prune the plant in early spring or late fall when it is dormant to avoid damaging new growth.

Propagation of Lycopus ×sherardii Steele

Lycopus ×sherardii Steele is a perennial plant that can be propagated through different methods. Here are three possible techniques to propagate this species:

Propagation by Division

The most straightforward method to propagate Lycopus ×sherardii Steele is by dividing the plant in spring or autumn. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Carefully dig up the mature plant.
2. Using a sharp and clean knife, cut the plant into smaller sections. Each section should have some roots and several shoots.
3. Plant the smaller sections directly into the garden or into containers filled with a suitable potting mix.
4. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged until the new plants establish themselves.

Propagation by Cuttings

Another way to propagate Lycopus ×sherardii Steele is by taking stem cuttings in late spring or early summer. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Select a healthy stem that is not flowering yet.
2. Cut off a section of the stem that is approximately 5-6 inches long.
3. Strip off the leaves from the bottom 2-3 inches of the stem.
4. Dip the cut end of the stem into rooting hormone powder to encourage root formation.
5. Plant the cutting immediately into a pot filled with a suitable potting mix and water it well.
6. Place the pot in a shaded and sheltered location and keep the soil consistently moist.
7. After a few weeks, when roots have formed, transplant the new plant into a larger container or into the garden.

Propagation by Seed

Lycopus ×sherardii Steele can also be propagated by seed, although this method is more time-consuming and unpredictable than the previous two. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Collect the seeds in autumn, when they have turned brown and dry.
2. Store the seeds in a dry and cool location until spring.
3. Sow the seeds directly into the soil after the last frost date or start them indoors in pots.
4. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
5. Once the seedlings emerge, thin them out to leave only the strongest ones.
6. Transplant the seedlings into larger containers or into the garden when they are big enough to handle.

Disease Management

Lycopus ×sherardii Steele is relatively resistant to most diseases. However, it can be affected by foliar diseases such as powdery mildew, leaf spots, and rusts, which can damage the leaves and reduce plant vigor.

To manage foliar diseases, it is essential to provide proper plant care, including regular watering and sanitation practices such as removing the infected plant parts, and pruning to improve air circulation. Applying fungicides can also help prevent and manage these diseases. Using organic fungicides such as neem oil, copper, and sulfur in the early stages of disease development can be effective.

Pest Management

Lycopus ×sherardii Steele is relatively resistant to most pests, but it can be affected by aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. These pests develop in colonies and can cause damage to the leaves, flowers, and stems of the plant.

To manage pests, it is essential to monitor plants regularly and identify the pest infestation early. Pruning heavily infested plant parts is an effective way to get rid of pests. Additionally, it is essential to encourage natural predators such as ladybugs, lacewings, and birds, which can help reduce pest populations.

Aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies can also be controlled through the application of insecticidal soaps or mild horticultural oils. When using insecticides, make sure to follow the instructions carefully and avoid applying during the hottest parts of the day. Using organic pesticides such as pyrethrins can also be effective in controlling pest infestations.