Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) Seeds

Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) is a rugged, long-lived perennial valued for its dramatic height, lobed foliage, and whorled pink-lipped flowers along upright stems. A classic wildflower for naturalistic plantings, it attracts bees and beneficial insects across the growing season. Motherwort performs well with minimal care, thriving in poor soils and spreading into impressive clumps that bring height and texture to cottage gardens, meadows, wildlife areas, and ornamental borders.

Features

• Whorled pink-lipped flowers attract bees and pollinators.
• Tall, architectural stems create striking garden texture.
• Thrives in poor or average soils; very low-maintenance.
• Excellent choice for meadows, wild gardens, and natural borders.
• Non-GMO Leonurus cardiaca heirloom variety.
• Hardy perennial that returns reliably and expands over time.

Specifications

• Common Name: Motherwort
• Scientific Name: Leonurus cardiaca
• Plant Type: Perennial flowering herb
• USDA Zones: 3–8
• Bloom Color: Pink to lavender lip-shaped flowers
• Bloom Season: Early to midsummer
• Height: 24–60 inches
• Spread: 12–24 inches (can form large clumps)
• Growth Habit: Upright, branching, spreading by seed
• Foliage: Deeply lobed green leaves
• Heirloom: Yes
• GMO Status: Non-GMO
• Organic: Not certified organic
• Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade
• Soil Preference: Average or poor, well-drained soil
• Water Needs: Low to moderate
• Pollinator Friendly: Yes (bees & beneficial insects)
• Maintenance Level: Low
• Plant Spacing: 12–18 inches
• Seed Viability: 2–3 years stored cool & dry

Planting Guide

• Best results from cold stratification for 2–4 weeks (refrigerate seeds in moist medium).
• Sow indoors before the last frost or direct sow outdoors in late fall or early spring.
• Press seeds lightly into the soil surface or cover very thinly (1/16–1/8 inch).
• Keep soil lightly moist until germination (14–35 days).
• Transplant or thin seedlings to 12–18 inches apart.
• Choose full sun for tallest plants and strongest blooms.
• Water moderately until established; reduce watering afterward.
• Allow seedheads to mature if natural reseeding or wildlife habitat is desired.
• Remove seedheads if spread needs control.