- Cut back after flowering
- Cut cuttings for propagation
- Cut flowers to dry
- Harvest leaves for the kitchen
Holy herb is not only valued as a pretty ornamental plant in the garden. It is also considered medicinal and used in the home to control pests. She doesn't need much care. Regular pruning after flowering is recommended.
After pruning, the flowers of the holy herb can be dried
Cut back after flowering
Holy herb flowers from June to August. It is then time to prune the plant vigorously.
- Cut back the perennial heavily
- Cut out dead branches
- Thin out the plant
- Cut into shape
Holy herb also tolerates a strong pruning without any problems. This stimulates the formation of new shoots. If no pruning takes place, the holy herb will bare over time and lose its bushy shape.
Cut cuttings for propagation
Holy herb can easily be propagated by cuttings. From spring to summer, small shoots are cut for propagation.
The individual cuttings should be 15 to 20 centimeters long. The lower leaves are removed and the shoots are placed in the ground in a light but not directly sunny place. The cuttings do not need any special care, only moderate watering is necessary until they grow.
The perennials propagated in this way are transplanted to a sunny location next spring.
Cut flowers to dry
The flowers play an important role in naturopathy. They are mostly used dried.
To do this, cut off the fully blossomed inflorescences in such a way that a longer stalk remains on the flower. It is best to cut in the morning when the plants are no longer wet. The flowers are tied into bouquets and hung upside down to dry.
You can also place the fresh flowers in a bouquet in a vase or bowl on the garden table to ward off mosquitoes.
Harvest leaves for the kitchen
The green leaves of the holy herb are not only used in medicine, but also as a spice in the kitchen.
To do this, cut or pluck a few leaves from the plant and chop them up as small as possible.
tips
Holy herb comes from the Mediterranean region and only grows up to 60 cm high. It is the ideal plant for roof gardens and bed borders. In addition to pruning, only light winter protection is required as care.