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. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, gravel garden, wildlife gardens, wildflower meadow, city and courtyard gardens, coastal and flower borders and beds. It is native to Belgium, Brussels-Capital Region, Flemish Region, Walloon Region and Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.
About
Betonica officinalis, common name betony is a species of flowering plant in the mint family Lamiaceae, native to Europe, western Asia, and northern Africa. Its 'Hummelo' cultivar has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. This has been confirmed by genetic study, which shows Betonica is separate from Stachys and more closely related to the hemp-nettles Galeopsis. Mature plants reach roughly 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, carrying deciduous, semi evergreen foliage. In the garden it prefers full sun and partial shade and most soil types. It tolerates soil of any pH, well-drained conditions and south-facing, east-facing, north-facing and west-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Betonica officinalis
About the genus
Betonica is a genus of the plants in the family Lamiaceae.
Wikipedia contributors, "Betonica", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Betonica
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, Flower borders and beds
- Native to
- Belgium, Brussels-Capital Region, Flemish Region, Walloon Region, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Betonica officinalis
- Propagation
- Seed, Division
- Pest resistance
- Slugs, Snails
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
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 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 an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Betonica officinalis?
Seed, Division.
More in the Betonica genus
Browse all Betonica →
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