Marrubium incanum
Care, watering, light and tips for Marrubium incanum on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Lamiaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 5–35 °C
About Marrubium incanum
Marrubium incanum, known as White Horehound, is a perennial herbaceous plant from the Lamiaceae family, remarkable for its densely tomentose, silvery foliage that gives it a whitish, velvety appearance. It produces small white or pink flowers in axillary spikes during summer. It is ideal for rock gardens, sunny borders, or as a potted ornamental plant, providing distinctive texture and color.
Native range
Mediterranean region (Southern Europe and North Africa)
Care tips
This plant requires full sun to maintain its dense, silvery foliage, tolerating some partial shade in very hot climates. It is drought-tolerant once established, so watering should be moderate, allowing the substrate to dry out completely between waterings. It prefers well-drained, preferably poor or calcareous soils; waterlogging is its main enemy. Avoid over-fertilization, as this can reduce its flowering and the silvery appeal of the foliage.
How to save a dying Marrubium incanum
- Warning signs
- Wilting, yellowing, or browning leaves, especially lower ones. Foliage loses its characteristic silvery tone and looks dull.
- First aid
- Check drainage. If potted, ensure water exits well. If in ground, dig to check soil moisture. Reduce watering and place in full sun with good air circulation. Prune affected parts.
- What kills it
- Excessive moisture and poor drainage are its worst enemies. Waterlogging quickly rots its roots. Also, lack of sun.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if you act quickly to correct overwatering or lack of light. It's drought-tolerant, not waterlogging-tolerant.