California Figwort

Scrophularia californica

perennial herbView on Calscape

Care

Sun

part shade

Water

low

Soil

Fast, Medium; Adaptable to garden soils.

Size

2–4ft tall, 1–3ft wide

Bloom

Jan-Dec

Foliage

Evergreen

Deer

Resistant

Container

Friendly

Native Range

Chaparral, oak woodlands, and riparian areas of coastal and interior California from northern regions to San Diego County, below 4500 ft elevation.

Care Guide

Planting

Plant California figwort in partial shade with fast or medium-draining soil - it's adaptable to most garden soils, so don't overthink the amendments. Choose a spot in the back of a border where its 2–4 foot height won't shade shorter plants, and where you can enjoy those tiny red flowers backlit by the sun. Plant in fall or winter when the soil is moist, spacing plants about 2–3 feet apart if you want them to fill in over time.

After Planting

Water weekly during your first summer to establish the plant, then cut back to just twice a month once it's established - this is a low-water plant that prefers drier conditions in year two and beyond. Prune as needed to maintain shape and remove dead stems, and don't be alarmed if it looks sparse when not in bloom; the wedge-shaped leaves are the main show between flowering seasons. The #1 mistake people make is watering too much, which can rot the roots - once established, treat it like you'd treat a California native and let summer rains do the heavy lifting.

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Endangered & Threatened Species Supported

Chalcedon CheckerspotEuphydryas chalcedona chalcedona

California Species of Special Concern

CA Special Concern

Wildlife Supported