Figwort
Scrophularia nodosa
Description
This hardworking perennial will flower the first year from seed if started early. Waist-high, branching plants produce an abundance of long stems smothered in chocolate and green hoodlike blooms, similar to snapdragons. Leathery, long-lasting flowers have a bitter, smoky scent, but attract more pollinators than any other plant we’ve grown. In addition to being a great textural bouquet filler, figwort is a must-grow for the bees.
Details
Height: 36 to 42 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 120 days
Plant spacing: 18 in
Pinch: not necessary
Seed Sowing & Growing Notes
Start seed indoors in trays 8 to 10 weeks before last frost; transplant out once the weather has warmed.
Harvesting/Vase Life
Details
Description
This hardworking perennial will flower the first year from seed if started early. Waist-high, branching plants produce an abundance of long stems smothered in chocolate and green hoodlike blooms, similar to snapdragons. Leathery, long-lasting flowers have a bitter, smoky scent, but attract more pollinators than any other plant we’ve grown. In addition to being a great textural bouquet filler, figwort is a must-grow for the bees.
Details
Height: 36 to 42 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 120 days
Plant spacing: 18 in
Pinch: not necessary
Seed Sowing & Growing Notes
Start seed indoors in trays 8 to 10 weeks before last frost; transplant out once the weather has warmed.
Harvesting/Vase Life
Sources
How to Grow
How to Grow

Summer Mini Course
Learn how to grow, harvest & arrange beautiful cut flowers
In our upcoming three-part video series, you’ll learn a simple step to double the number of blooms your plants produce, how to cut and care for your flowers for the longest vase life, and how to make mixed bouquets quickly and efficiently.