Scrophularia lanceolata Plant Care

Scrophularia lanceolata Pursh

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Scrophularia lanceolata is a species of flowering plant in the figwort family known by the common names lanceleaf figwort and American figwort. It is native to North America, where it is known from western and eastern Canada and much of the United States except for the southeastern quadrant.

🌼Perennials🌻Annuals
Water

Every 7–10 days

Light

Partial shade to full sun

Temp

50–75°F

Humidity

40–60%

At a glance

How do you care for Scrophularia lanceolata?

Water Scrophularia lanceolata every 7–10 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 Scrophularia lanceolata Native To?

Native range3 countries

What Is the Scrophularia lanceolata?

Scrophularia lanceolata (Scrophularia lanceolata) belongs to the Scrophulariaceae family within the Scrophularia genus. Scrophularia lanceolata is native to North America.

Scrophularia lanceolata displays an upright, bushy perennial growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Scrophularia lanceolata produces small tubular flowers in shades of red, purple, or yellow.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Scrophularia lanceolata?

Scrophularia lanceolata 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 Scrophularia lanceolata Need?

Scrophularia lanceolata thrives in partial shade to full sun.

Light Requirement

Partial shade to full sun

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Scrophularia lanceolata Prefer?

Scrophularia lanceolata grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Scrophularia lanceolata prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Temperature

50–75°F

Humidity

40–60%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Scrophularia lanceolata?

Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Scrophularia lanceolata to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Scrophularia lanceolata?

Feed Scrophularia lanceolata 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 Scrophularia lanceolata?

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 Scrophularia lanceolata?

Scrophularia lanceolata can be propagated through seeds, division of root ball. Similar propagation techniques also apply to scrophularia atrata plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Scrophularia lanceolata Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Scrophularia lanceolata, 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 Scrophularia lanceolata?

Scrophularia lanceolata 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 Scrophularia lanceolata Need?

Scrophularia lanceolata grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Scrophularia lanceolata is native to North America. In cooler regions, grow Scrophularia lanceolata as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 12a

Keep exploring plants

Scrophularia lanceolata 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 Scrophularia genus — compare its care with other Scrophularia species on PlantoScan.

Scrophularia is part of the Scrophulariaceae plant family — browse all Scrophulariaceae genera and species.

Scrophularia lanceolata thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Scrophularia Species

Other Scrophularia species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Scrophularia lanceolata Pursh, family Scrophulariaceae (first published in Fl. Amer. Sept. 2: 419 (1813)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Scrophularia lanceolata, 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 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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