Mediterranean Hare's Ear Plant Care
Bupleurum fruticosum L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Bupleurum fruticosum or shrubby hare's-ear is a species of flowering plant in the family Apiaceae. It is endemic to the Mediterranean region.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–75°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Mediterranean Hare's Ear?
Water Mediterranean Hare's Ear every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Mediterranean Hare's Ear Native To?
What Is the Mediterranean Hare's Ear?
Mediterranean Hare's Ear (Bupleurum fruticosum) belongs to the Apiaceae family within the Bupleurum genus. Mediterranean Hare's Ear is native to the Mediterranean region. Mediterranean Hare's Ear is also known as Shrubby Hare's Ear.
Mediterranean Hare's Ear displays an upright, branching perennial growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Mediterranean Hare's Ear produces small yellow-green flowers in compound umbels.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Mediterranean Hare's Ear?
Bupleurum fruticosum requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Mediterranean Hare's Ear Need?
Mediterranean Hare's Ear thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Mediterranean Hare's Ear Prefer?
Bupleurum fruticosum grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Mediterranean Hare's Ear prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Mediterranean Hare's Ear?
Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Mediterranean Hare's Ear to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Mediterranean Hare's Ear?
Feed Mediterranean Hare's Ear every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Mediterranean Hare's Ear?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Mediterranean Hare's Ear?
Mediterranean Hare's Ear can be propagated through seeds, division of root ball. Similar propagation techniques also apply to thoroughwort golden fern plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Mediterranean Hare's Ear Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Mediterranean Hare's Ear, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Mediterranean Hare's Ear?
Mediterranean Hare's Ear is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, caterpillars. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Mediterranean Hare's Ear Need?
Mediterranean Hare's Ear grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Mediterranean Hare's Ear is native to the Mediterranean region. In cooler regions, grow Mediterranean Hare's Ear as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Mediterranean Hare's Ear is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Bupleurum genus — compare its care with other Bupleurum species on PlantoScan.
Bupleurum is part of the Apiaceae plant family — browse all Apiaceae genera and species.
Mediterranean Hare's Ear thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Bupleurum Species
Other Bupleurum species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Bupleurum fruticosum L., family Apiaceae (first published in Sp. Pl. : 238 (1753)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Mediterranean Hare's Ear, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
Identify Plants Like the
Mediterranean Hare's Ear Instantly
Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species