| It is best to divide the plant every 3 years. Plant in well-manured, well-drained soil in partial shade, though it will tolerate full sun in cooler climates. Feed and water often to maintain large leaves with good colour. A single plant will produce enough leaves for fresh and dried use. In late summer, when the leaves look tattered, prune back half of them to the ground. Feed and water the plant; when new growth appears, shear back the rest of the old leaves. Cut back flower stems to promote leaf growth. That's what I have on it. Now, my personal experience with it. I've had a plant for years and years. For much of that time I kept it in a pot, and it just sat there - healthy, but doing nothing. Then about a year ago, I put it into the garden. And it's still sitting there doing nothing, but looking perfectly healthy. It has never flowered, and it doesn't look as though it's ever going to spread. It's in partial shade because once I put it in full sun, the leaves got cooked. Perhaps my subtropical climate keeps it well in control. It might prefer a cooler climate. I know it definitely likes to be kept moist - much like mint. I've never noticed the leaves getting 'tatty'. I've never used it. It's one of my 'just because it's different' herbs. It has a lovely perfume, however. However, here are some uses for it: Once used to clear, flavour and preserve beer. Fresh, young leaves may be added sparingly to salads, soups, bread and cold beverages. Can be used like mint in beverages and iced soups. Use leaves sparingly in carrot soup, in salads and fruit salads, with game, in poultry stuffing and fruit cakes. Delicious on peas and new potatoes. Medicinal Uses: An infusion makes a scented rinse water for hair or skin. Use in potpourri. A tea is useful for colds, upset stomachs and cramps and to ease childbirth. It was once used to treat dysentery. As a wash, it is used on wounds and burns. Crushed leaves will relieve the pain of bee stings and minor wounds and burns. Add leaves to a salve for burns and stings. Other Uses: Leaves add fragrance to potpourri. Leave in closets to repel insects, especially ants. Use an infusion as a skin lotion after cleansing, or as a hair rinse, or add to the final rinsing water for clothes and household linen. |
