Sideritis leucantha
Care, watering, light and tips for Sideritis leucantha on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Lamiaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 5–35 °C
About Sideritis leucantha
Sideritis leucantha, commonly known as Cat's Tail, is a perennial plant from the Lamiaceae family, endemic to the Iberian Peninsula. It is characterized by its whitish stems and dense, hairy, spike-like inflorescences, which give it its popular name. It is ideal for rock gardens, Mediterranean gardens, or as an ornamental potted plant, providing unique texture and color.
Native range
Balearic Islands (Spain) and Sicily (Italy)
Care tips
This species prefers full sun exposure for optimal growth and abundant flowering. It is very drought-tolerant, so watering should be sparse, allowing the substrate to dry out completely between waterings to avoid waterlogging, which is its main enemy. It requires well-drained soil, preferably sandy or stony, and does not tolerate heavy or very moist soils. A common mistake is overwatering, which can lead to root rot.