Henna Lawsonia inermis
Henna (Lawsonia inermis) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Lythraceae family, native to North Africa to South Asia. It grows 2–6 m (6.6–20 ft) tall and 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about 5 °C (41 °F). Space plants about 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart.
Plan Henna in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Henna at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Lythraceae |
| Mature height | 2–6 m (6.6–20 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft) |
| Spacing | 1.5 m (4.9 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 4.5–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About 5 °C (41 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 11) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 48 °C (118 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 9–17 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | North Africa to South Asia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇮🇳 India, 🇪🇬 Egypt, 🇲🇦 Morocco, 🇮🇷 Iran |
Is Henna toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
- Parts: leaves (if swallowed)
Used on skin and hair; swallowing it, or applying it to babies with G6PD deficiency, has caused harm. Pet effects not documented.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Henna
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Henna
- How far apart should I plant Henna?
- About 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft).
- Does Henna need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Henna need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Henna?
- It tolerates about 5 °C (41 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 11.
- When does Henna flower?
- From about May for 9–17 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Henna poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people mildly toxic. Used on skin and hair; swallowing it, or applying it to babies with G6PD deficiency, has caused harm. Pet effects not documented.
- What grows well with Henna?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Henna. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
Notes and assumptions
- Dried leaves give the orange dye used for mehndi; also clipped as a hedge.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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