Photo: Eleftherios KatsillisCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Hare's ear Plant Care
Bupleurum lancifolium Hornem.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Featuring lance-shaped leaves with a striking blue-green hue, this plant originates from East Asia. Its unique foliage and delicate yellow flowers make it highly sought after by plant collectors looking to add a touch of elegance to their gardens or indoor spaces.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–75°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Hare's ear?
Water 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 Hare's ear Native To?
What Is the Hare's ear?
Hare's ear (Bupleurum lancifolium) belongs to the Apiaceae family within the Bupleurum genus. Hare's ear is native to the Mediterranean Basin and. Hare's ear is also known as Thorow-wax, Thorough-wax.
Hare's ear displays an upright, branching perennial growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Hare's ear produces small yellow-green flowers in compound umbels.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Hare's ear?
Bupleurum lancifolium 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 Hare's ear Need?
Hare's ear thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Hare's ear Prefer?
Bupleurum lancifolium grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Hare's ear prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Hare's ear?
Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Hare's ear to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Hare's ear?
Feed 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 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 Hare's ear?
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 Hare's ear Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list 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 Hare's ear?
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 Hare's ear Need?
Hare's ear grows outdoors in USDA Zone 7a – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 7a. Hare's ear is native to the Mediterranean Basin and.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 7a – 10b
Keep exploring plants
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.
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 lancifolium Hornem., family Apiaceae (first published in Enum. Pl. Hort. Hafn. , Suppl. 2: 3, adnot. 5 (1808)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list 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.
- Photo: Eleftherios Katsillis, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 7a – 10b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- 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.
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