Overview
Betonica officinalis is a bushy, clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Betonica, part of the Lamiaceae family, with deciduous, semi evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Betonica officinalis grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is attractive to pollinators. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, gravel garden, wildlife gardens, wildflower meadow, city and courtyard gardens and coastal. It is native to Eurasia and N. Africa.
About
Betonica officinalis is a perennial that grows upright and can reach heights of up to 60 cm. It features a rosette of mid-green leaves that are scalloped, wrinkled, and veined, measuring up to 12 cm in length. In summer and early autumn, it produces dense spikes of flowers that can be pink, white, or reddish-purple.
About the genus
Betonica comprises a group of perennial wildflowers native to the region, characterized by their slender, oval leaves that grow on erect stems. The plants produce vibrant flowers that range from purple to red, blooming from summer through early autumn.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Betonica
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing, North-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Betonica officinalis size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Bushy, Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous, Semi evergreen
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Wildlife gardens, Wildflower meadow, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal
- Native to
- Eurasia, N. Africa
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Betonica officinalis
- Cultivation
- Grow in well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. Protect from winter excessive wet. Suitable for dry bank, gravel garden, raised bed or rock garden
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed or division
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to slugs
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Betonica officinalis?
Grow in well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. Protect from winter excessive wet. Suitable for dry bank, gravel garden, raised bed or rock garden.
Where is the best place to plant Betonica officinalis?
Betonica officinalis prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Betonica officinalis need?
Betonica officinalis is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How do I prune Betonica officinalis?
No pruning required.
How big does Betonica officinalis grow?
Betonica officinalis reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Betonica officinalis hardy in the UK?
Betonica officinalis has a UK hardiness rating of H7.
How do I propagate Betonica officinalis?
Propagate by seed or division.
Is Betonica officinalis good for pollinators?
Yes — Betonica officinalis attracts and supports pollinators such as bees and other beneficial insects.