About
A low-growing, evergreen perennial, with white woolly stems and basal rosettes of thick, soft, downy leaves to 11cm long. Produces upright, flowering stems to 50cm in height in summer, with dense clusters of small round modified flowers with the same white downy coating.
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, West-facing
ExposureExposed
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitMatforming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 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
PruningRemove flowers to enhance the dense growth of the plant
PropagationPropagate by seed in containers in a cold frame in autumn or spring. Propagate by division of established clumps, or by removing rooted offsets in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews and to stem and leaf rot in damp conditions