About
A mat-forming herbaceous perennial with soft, grey-green, slightly hairy foliage which is larger than other varieties. Upright stems of small pink to purple flowers appear from June through to September. An excellent choice as ground cover to suppress weeds and drought-tolerant and a tactile choice for a sensory garden.
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, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing
ExposureExposed
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitMatforming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun
PruningNo pruning required. Remove flowers to prolong the life of the plant
PropagationPropagate by division or remove rooted sections in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews