Siberian Motherwort - Marihuanilla [Leonurus sibiricus]

The biennial Siberian motherwort is a very old Chinese tea, incense and medicinal plant and was mentioned in the old Chinese "Book of Songs". A proven remedy for menstrual cramps with a general strengthening effect. Ideal for direct sowing, pot cultivation possible, sowing spring-summer, good for mixed culture, harvesting the flowers and leaves.

 Description 
Siberian motherwort is a biennial, very old Chinese tea, incense and medicinal plant from Malaysia. The species grows wild in Brazil and Mexico and develops purple flowers. In Chinese medicine, the herb is praised as a very good remedy for menstrual cramps and also has a generally strengthening effect and was also mentioned in the old Chinese "Book of Songs" (ca. 1000-500 BC) as "t'uei". In Malaysia, too, the dried plant is ceremoniously smoked in ceremonies and smoked as a herbal cigarette. It can be used externally for rheumatic complaints, eczema and abscesses. The plants magically attract bumblebees.

 General information 
Plant family: Lamiaceae
Life cycle: Biennial
Days to harvest: 100 days
Plant height approx.: 150 cm
Root type: Deep rooter
Nutrient requirements: Low
Water requirements: Low
Winter hardiness: Up to 3°C
Location: Sunny until semi shady
Soil: Permeable, humus-rich loamy soil

pH value: 6.5 to 7.5

 Sowing and planting information 
Germination type: Light germinator
Sowing depth: 0 cm
Optimal germination temperature: 18-22 °C
Germination time: 10-21 days
Plant and row spacing: 30x40 cm

Germination ability of seeds: 3-4 years

 Mixed culture 
Optimal mixed culture: -
Unfavorable mixed culture: -

 Sowing by climate zone 
Subtropic climate (Mediterranean) (e. g. B. Portugal, Spain, Italy)
Direct sowing from March to July is recommended. The plants should ideally be planted in a sunny location.
Moderate climate (e. g. B. Germany, Switzerland, Poland)
Direct sowing from April to June is recommended. The plants should ideally be planted in a sunny location.

 General recommendations 
Germination naturally occurs irregularly over a period of 6 weeks. Cool temperatures produce better germination results, but are not absolutely necessary. Direct sowing is recommended. After germination, thin out the plants to the specified plant spacing.
Siberian Motherwort prefers a permeable, moderately nutrient-rich, moist and humus-rich loamy soil. Doesn't tolerate waterlogging.

 Additional tips 
The plant is only biennial in warm climates and flowers in the first year. In order to quickly obtain a fine, crumbly and permeable soil with good nutrient and water storage capacity, additional incorporation of biochar and primary rock flour is recommended.

 Type of propagation 
Propagation occurs via seeds.

 Plant care 
Regular watering results in faster growth. No fertilization necessary.

 Other names 
Botanical names: Leonurus sibiricus
English names: Honeyweed, Siberian motherwort, Marihuanilla
German names: Chinesischer Löwenschwanz, Sibirischer Herzgespann, Sibirischer Löwenschwanz, Marihuanilla, Sibirisches Mutterkraut 
Portuguese names: Marijuanilla
Spanish names: Marijuanillo
French names: Marijuanilla

 Origin 
Country: Portugal