Pectinate Hedge-parsley Plant Care

Pectinate Hedge-parsley (Mesosphaerum pectinatum) belongs to the Lamiaceae family within the Mesosphaerum genus. Pectinate Hedge-parsley is native to the tropical Americas, as well as being naturalized in parts of Africa, Asia, and Australia.

Pectinate Hedge-parsley displays a low spreading groundcover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Pectinate Hedge-parsley produces small tubular purple flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Pectinate Hedge-parsley every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Pectinate Hedge-parsley thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Mesosphaerum pectinatum tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Pectinate Hedge-parsley prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Pectinate Hedge-parsley to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Pectinate Hedge-parsley every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Pectinate Hedge-parsley is suited to USDA Zone 10a – 12b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Pectinate Hedge-parsley can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Pectinate Hedge-parsley while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Pectinate Hedge-parsley is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Pectinate Hedge-parsley can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to sweet hedge-parsley plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Pectinate Hedge-parsley 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.

Pectinate Hedge-parsley grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Pectinate Hedge-parsley is native to the tropical Americas, as well as being naturalized in parts of Africa, Asia, and Australia. In cooler regions, grow Pectinate Hedge-parsley as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.