Ostrowski's Lousewort Plant Care
Phlomoides ostrowskiana (Regel) Adylov, Kamelin & Makhm.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its unique fuzzy, silver-green leaves and vibrant orange-yellow flowers, this plant originates from the mountainous regions of Central Asia. Desirable to plant collectors for its striking appearance and ability to thrive in rocky, dry conditions, Phlomoides ostrowskiana adds a touch of exotic beauty to any garden.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Ostrowski's Lousewort?
Water Ostrowski's Lousewort 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 50–80°F (10–27°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Ostrowski's Lousewort?
Ostrowski's Lousewort (Phlomoides ostrowskiana) belongs to the Lamiaceae family within the Phlomoides genus. Ostrowski's Lousewort is native to Central Asia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan. Ostrowski's Lousewort is also known as Yellow Wood Betony.
Ostrowski's Lousewort displays an upright, bushy perennial growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Ostrowski's Lousewort produces tall spikes of tubular flowers in shades of pink, purple, or white.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Ostrowski's Lousewort?
Phlomoides ostrowskiana 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 Ostrowski's Lousewort Need?
Ostrowski's Lousewort thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Ostrowski's Lousewort Prefer?
Phlomoides ostrowskiana grows best at temperatures of 50–80°F. Ostrowski's Lousewort prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Ostrowski's Lousewort?
Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Ostrowski's Lousewort to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Ostrowski's Lousewort?
Feed Ostrowski's Lousewort 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 Ostrowski's Lousewort?
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 Ostrowski's Lousewort?
Ostrowski's Lousewort can be propagated through seeds, division of root ball. Similar propagation techniques also apply to labiate phlomoides plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Ostrowski's Lousewort Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Ostrowski's Lousewort, 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 Ostrowski's Lousewort?
Ostrowski's Lousewort 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 Ostrowski's Lousewort Need?
Ostrowski's Lousewort grows outdoors in USDA Zone 5a – 8b. It survives winters down to planting zone 5a. Ostrowski's Lousewort is native to Central Asia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 5a – 8b
Keep exploring plants
Ostrowski's Lousewort 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 Phlomoides genus — compare its care with other Phlomoides species on PlantoScan.
Phlomoides is part of the Lamiaceae plant family — browse all Lamiaceae genera and species.
Ostrowski's Lousewort 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: Phlomoides ostrowskiana (Regel) Adylov, Kamelin & Makhm., family Lamiaceae (first published in Opred. Rast. Sred. Azii 9: 103 (1987)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Ostrowski's Lousewort, 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.
- 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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