Photo: zebedeugalinhaCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
White Henbane Plant Care
Hyoscyamus albus L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its large, lobed leaves and striking white flowers, this plant originates from the Mediterranean region. Plant collectors covet Hyoscyamus albus for its unique appearance and historical medicinal uses, making it a fascinating addition to any garden.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for White Henbane?
Water White Henbane every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 4 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the White Henbane Native To?
What Is the White Henbane?
White Henbane (Hyoscyamus albus) belongs to the Solanaceae family within the Hyoscyamus genus. White Henbane is native to Southern Europe, North Africa, West Asia and Macaronesia.
White Henbane displays an upright, branching herb growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. White Henbane produces tubular flowers in shades of purple, white, or yellow.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a White Henbane?
Hyoscyamus albus 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 White Henbane Need?
White Henbane thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the White Henbane Prefer?
Hyoscyamus albus grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. White Henbane prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a White Henbane?
Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for White Henbane to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a White Henbane?
Feed White Henbane every 4 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 4 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 White Henbane?
Repot annually 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 White Henbane?
White Henbane can be propagated through seeds, division of rootball. Similar propagation techniques also apply to egyptian henbane plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the White Henbane Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
Toxic to humans and pets if ingested
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 White Henbane?
White Henbane is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. 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 White Henbane Need?
White Henbane grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. White Henbane is native to Southern Europe, North Africa, West Asia and Macaronesia. In cooler regions, grow White Henbane as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
White Henbane 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 Hyoscyamus genus — compare its care with other Hyoscyamus species on PlantoScan.
Hyoscyamus is part of the Solanaceae plant family — browse all Solanaceae genera and species.
White Henbane 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: Hyoscyamus albus L., family Solanaceae (first published in Sp. Pl. 1: 180. 1753.) — World Flora Online record.
- Pet toxicity: White Henbane is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: zebedeugalinha, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, 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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