About
A herbaceous, tuberous perennial to 60cm tall, with 4-angled stems and finely hairy, textured leaves. In summer purple-pink flowers are borne on erect flower stalks. The small, knobbly tubers (crosnes) can be eaten raw, cooked or pickled.
About the genus
Stachys can be annuals, perennials or shrubs, with paired leaves which are sometimes unpleasantly aromatic, and erect spikes or racemes of whorled, 2-lipped flowers
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Native toChina to Myanmar
Care notes
CultivationPlant tubers in spring, in a fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil in full sun. Tubers can be harvested from November as they are needed
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by division
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free