Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis)
Care, watering, light and tips for Eyebright on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Orobanchaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
About Eyebright
Euphrasia officinalis, commonly known as Eyebright, is a small annual or perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Orobanchaceae family, renowned for its delicate white or lilac flowers with yellow streaks in the center. It is a hemiparasitic plant that attaches to the roots of grasses, deriving some of its nutrients from them. Its small size and flowering make it ideal for rock gardens, path edges, or wild meadows, adding a natural and rustic touch.
Native range
Europe and temperate Asia
Care tips
Eyebright thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soils, preferably poor to moderately fertile, as overly rich soils can hinder its parasitic growth. It requires moderate watering, allowing the substrate to dry out slightly between waterings, and it's crucial to avoid waterlogging. A common mistake is attempting to grow it in pots without a suitable host plant, which often leads to its decline. It propagates well from seeds sown in autumn or spring.
How to save a dying Eyebright
- Warning signs
- Yellowish or brown, wilted, lifeless leaves. Lack of flowering or wilted flowers.
- First aid
- Move to partial shade, water moderately if soil is dry, but avoid waterlogging. Check for pests or diseases.
- What kills it
- Overwatering, causing root rot. Also intense direct sun or lack of ambient humidity.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if roots are not completely rotted and action is taken promptly by correcting watering and location.