Does it need a lot of water?

Yes, it prefers consistently moist to wet soil.

Can I grow it in a regular garden bed?

It will grow fine as long as you keep the soil damp and do not let it dry out.

Plant guide

Water figwort.

Scrophularia auriculata

Pronounced skrof-yoo-LAIR-ee-uh aw-rik-yoo-LAY-tuh

Also known as Shoreline figwort, Water Betony, Water Figwort

This lovely perennial thrives in damp, marshy areas and along stream banks. It produces tall spikes of unique, brownish red flowers that attract bees and butterflies. You will find it is a sturdy addition to a bog garden or a moist border.

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Herbaceous perennial
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Indoor light: Bright indirect
Water: Every 2 to 5 days
Mature size: 1 to 1.5 meters
Growth rate: Medium
Hardiness: USDA 6 to 9
Bloom time: Mid to late summer

Care

Keep the soil consistently moist, as this plant loves damp conditions. Watch for wilting if the soil dries out too much. It is quite hardy and needs little fuss beyond ensuring it stays hydrated.

Watering: Keep the soil constantly damp, never letting it dry out completely.
Feeding: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer during the active growing season.
Pruning: Cut back the dead stems in late winter or early spring to make room for new growth.
Repotting: Refresh the soil or move to a larger container if the plant becomes rootbound.
Soil: Moist, fertile, loamy soil
Soil pH: Neutral to slightly acidic
Temperature: -15 to 30°C
Humidity: 40 to 80%
Drought tolerance: Low
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 3 to 5 years.
Deer and rabbits: Moderate

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
Water sitting on the surface for too long.
Stunted growth during the active season.

Safety

People: The plant contains iridoid glycosides which are mildly toxic if consumed in large quantities.
Children: Keep children away from the plant as ingestion of any part may cause nausea or vomiting.
Contact allergens: The foliage can cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Airborne allergens: Pollen may trigger mild allergic reactions in sensitive people during the peak flowering season.
Edibility: This plant is not considered edible and may cause stomach upset if ingested.

How to identify it

Square stems with winged edges
Opposite, oval, serrated green leaves
Small, brownish red, hooded flowers
Spiked inflorescences on tall stems

Height: 0.6 to 1.2m
Spread: 0.45 to 0.6m
Leaves: dark green, semi-evergreen
Flowers: brownish red, green, 0.5 to 1cm
Fruit: brown, Autumn

Problems to watch for

Aphids · Small insects that cluster on new growth and flower buds.

By symptom

Plant problems by symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: seed, division
When to plant: spring, autumn
Overwintering: Cut back dead foliage in late winter to make room for new growth. Ensure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged during freezing temperatures.
In containers: It grows well in large, non-draining containers kept constantly moist, with a minimum pot size of 30 centimeters.

Division

1. Dig up the plant in early spring.
2. Carefully pull the root clump apart into smaller sections.
3. Replant immediately in moist soil.

Seed

1. Collect seeds in late autumn.
2. Sow seeds in a moist seed starting mix.
3. Keep the tray in a cool, bright spot until germination.

Group this plant with other moisture-loving species to create a self-sustaining boggy microclimate.

Grows well with

Marsh Marigold · They share similar requirements for wet, boggy soil conditions.
Purple Loosestrife · They create a lovely vertical contrast in damp garden settings.

Similar species

Common Figwort · It is a close relative that prefers slightly drier woodland conditions.

Science

Family: Scrophulariaceae
Genus: Scrophularia
Order: Lamiales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Western and Southern Europe and Northern Africa.
Conservation: Not currently of conservation concern.

It naturally grows along stream banks and in damp meadows where its roots can access constant moisture.

Value to wildlife: nectar source, attracts beneficial insects
Pollinators: bees, butterflies
Uses: pollinator gardens, bog gardens, wildlife borders

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 6/9
Temperature: 5/9
Moisture: 8/9
Nutrients: 5/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Does it need a lot of water?: Yes, it prefers consistently moist to wet soil.
Can I grow it in a regular garden bed?: It will grow fine as long as you keep the soil damp and do not let it dry out.

Where the name comes from

The name Scrophularia refers to the plant's historical use in treating scrofula, a form of tuberculosis. The species name auriculata refers to the ear-like lobes at the base of the leaves.

Good to know

It is commonly known as water figwort because it loves damp soil.
The genus name comes from the historical use of the plant to treat scrofula.
It thrives in areas where other plants might struggle due to constant moisture.

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This guide was generated with AI on October 19, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.