How to Grow Henna Plant
Lawsonia inermis
Henna thrives in full sun, well-drained soil, and warmth — it won't tolerate frost. Plant in spring once temperatures stay above 15°C. Water moderately and feed with a balanced fertiliser in spring and early summer. Fragrant white-pink flowers appear in summer. Trim after flowering to keep a tidy shape; tolerates hard pruning. In cool climates, grow in a large container and bring indoors for winter.
Yearly Lifecycle
Care Essentials
Spring and early summer with a balanced fertiliser. Avoid overfeeding which reduces the dye quality of leaves.
Watch For
- Scale insects
- Spider mites in hot dry conditions
- Root rot in waterlogged soil
Companions
Hibiscus, Bougainvillea, Plumbago
Care Requirements
Light
Full sun; at least 6 hours direct sun daily
Requires full sun for vigorous growth and flowering. Tolerates partial shade but growth will be slower and flowering reduced.
Watering
Moderate; drought tolerant once established
Water regularly when young and during dry spells. Once established, tolerates dry conditions well. Avoid waterlogging — good drainage essential.
Fertilizing
Balanced feed in spring and early summer
Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring and again in early summer. Avoid excess nitrogen which reduces dye quality in leaves. Annual mulching supports steady growth.
Pruning
After flowering; tolerates hard pruning
Trim to shape after the summer flowering flush. Tolerates hard pruning to rejuvenate old or overgrown plants. In spring, remove any frost-damaged shoots.
Spacing
1.5–2 m apart
Space plants 1.5–2 m apart for an informal shrub. Plant 60–90 cm apart for a formal hedge. Regular clipping keeps hedge plants dense.
