Photo: Arturo Castro CastroCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Pennyroyal Plant Care
Hedeoma patens M.E.Jones
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its tiny, oval-shaped leaves covered in fine hairs, this plant from North America is a favorite among plant collectors for its aromatic fragrance and delicate appearance. Hedeoma patens, also known as American false pennyroyal, originates from the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, adding a touch of wild beauty to any collection.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to part shade
50–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Pennyroyal?
Water Pennyroyal every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to part shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Pennyroyal Native To?
What Is the Pennyroyal?
Pennyroyal (Hedeoma patens) belongs to the Lamiaceae family within the Hedeoma genus. Pennyroyal is native to the Mexican states of Chihuahua and Coahuila.
Pennyroyal displays a low mat-forming herb growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Pennyroyal produces small lavender to blue tubular flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Pennyroyal?
Hedeoma patens requires watering every 7–10 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 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Pennyroyal Need?
Pennyroyal thrives in full sun to part shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to part shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Pennyroyal Prefer?
Hedeoma patens grows best at temperatures of 50–80°F. Pennyroyal prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Pennyroyal?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Pennyroyal to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Pennyroyal?
Feed Pennyroyal 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 Pennyroyal?
Repot every 1-2 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 Pennyroyal?
Pennyroyal can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to mock pennyroyal plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Pennyroyal Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Pennyroyal, 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 Pennyroyal?
Pennyroyal is susceptible to aphids, spider mites. 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 Pennyroyal Need?
Pennyroyal grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Pennyroyal is native to the Mexican states of Chihuahua and Coahuila. In cooler regions, grow Pennyroyal as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Pennyroyal 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 Hedeoma genus — compare its care with other Hedeoma species on PlantoScan.
Hedeoma is part of the Lamiaceae plant family — browse all Lamiaceae genera and species.
Pennyroyal thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Hedeoma patens M.E.Jones, family Lamiaceae (first published in Contr. W. Bot. 12: 70 (1908)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Pennyroyal, 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: Arturo Castro Castro, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- 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.
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