Photo: Skjold SøndergaardCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Wood Betony Plant Care
Pedicularis sylvatica L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This unique plant is easily recognized by its toothed, fern-like leaves and vibrant pink flowers. Originating from Europe and Asia, Pedicularis sylvatica is highly sought after by plant collectors for its striking appearance and ability to thrive in shady woodland areas.
Every 5–7 days
Partial shade to full sun
50–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Wood Betony?
Water Wood Betony every 5–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it partial shade to full sun. It prefers temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Wood Betony Native To?
What Is the Wood Betony?
Wood Betony (Pedicularis sylvatica) belongs to the Orobanchaceae family within the Pedicularis genus. Wood Betony is native to central and northern Europe. Wood Betony is also known as Lousewort.
Wood Betony displays a clumping herbaceous perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Wood Betony produces tubular flowers in shades of pink, purple, or white.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Wood Betony?
Pedicularis sylvatica requires watering every 5–7 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 5–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Wood Betony Need?
Wood Betony thrives in partial shade to full sun.
Light Requirement
Partial shade to full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Wood Betony Prefer?
Pedicularis sylvatica grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Wood Betony prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Wood Betony?
Well-draining, slightly acidic soil with good organic content. Good drainage is essential for Wood Betony to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Wood Betony?
Feed Wood Betony 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 Wood Betony?
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 Wood Betony?
Wood Betony can be propagated through seeds, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to marsh lousewort plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Wood Betony Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Wood Betony, 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 Wood Betony?
Wood Betony 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 Wood Betony Need?
Wood Betony grows outdoors in USDA Zone 5a – 8b. It survives winters down to planting zone 5a. Wood Betony is native to central and northern Europe.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 5a – 8b
Keep exploring plants
Wood Betony 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 Pedicularis genus — compare its care with other Pedicularis species on PlantoScan.
Pedicularis is part of the Orobanchaceae plant family — browse all Orobanchaceae genera and species.
Wood Betony thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Pedicularis Species
Other Pedicularis species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Pedicularis sylvatica L., family Orobanchaceae (first published in Sp. Pl. : 607 (1753)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Wood Betony, 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: Skjold Søndergaard, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 5a – 8b, 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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