Wild basil (Clinopodium vulgare)
Care, watering, light and tips for Wild basil on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Lamiaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 5–35 °C
About Wild basil
Clinopodium vulgare, commonly known as wild basil or kransmynte, is a robust perennial herb belonging to the Lamiaceae family, forming bushy clumps with square stems and oval leaves. Its pink to purple flowers are arranged in dense whorls in the upper leaf axils, creating an attractive crown-like effect. It is ideal for cottage gardens, path edges, or as a wild plant in meadows and embankments, adding a natural and rustic touch.
Native range
Europe, Asia, and North Africa
Care tips
This plant prefers full sun to partial shade and adapts well to a wide range of soils, as long as they are well-drained. It tolerates drought once established but benefits from moderate watering during dry periods, avoiding waterlogging. It does not require special substrates, thriving in poor or rich soils. A common mistake is planting it in deep shade, which can significantly reduce its flowering.
How to save a dying Wild basil
- Warning signs
- Yellow or brown, wilted leaves; sluggish or stunted growth. Mold might appear at the base.
- First aid
- Remove dead leaves. Check soil moisture: if too wet, aerate and let dry. If dry, water moderately.
- What kills it
- Overwatering is its main enemy, suffocating roots. Also lack of direct light or extreme cold.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if roots aren't completely rotted. Requires patience and gradual adjustments.