Overview
Stachys alpina is a perennial, clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Stachys, part of the Lamiaceae family, with grey, woolly, mat-forming foliage. Stachys alpina grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include front of borders, ground cover, cottage gardens and wildlife gardens.
About
Stachys alpina, commonly known as limestone woundwort, is a herbaceous perennial belonging to the Lamiaceae family. This clump-forming plant features grey, woolly, mat-forming foliage and produces upright spikes of bilabiate flowers in spring and summer. It thrives in full sun on a south-facing, sheltered aspect with well-drained, neutral loam soil. Hardy to UK zone H7, it is suitable for use at the front of borders, as ground cover, or in cottage and wildlife gardens. Propagation is by seed or division, and planting is best done after the last frost in fertile soil.
About the genus
Stachys is a genus of plants, one of the largest in the mint family Lamiaceae. Estimates of the number of species vary from about 300 to about 450. Plants of the World Online accepts 373 species.
Wikipedia contributors, "Stachys", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Stachys
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Stachys
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Stachys alpina size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Perennial, clump-forming
- Foliage
- Grey, woolly, mat-forming
- Suggested uses
- Front of borders, ground cover, cottage gardens, wildlife gardens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Stachys alpina
- Propagation
- Seed, division
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Stachys alpina?
Stachys alpina prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Stachys alpina need?
Stachys alpina grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Stachys alpina hardy in the UK?
Stachys alpina has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Stachys alpina?
Seed, division.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Stachys genus
- Stachys coccineascarlet woundwort
- Stachys germanica
- Stachys lanataLamb's Ear
- Stachys macranthaBig Betony
- Stachys macrantha 'Superba' or 'Robusta'Woundwort
- Stachys officinalisBetony
- Stachys officinalis 'Alba'White Betony
- Stachys officinalis 'Hummelo'Betony