About

This vigorous evergreen carpeting perennial to 20cm tall, grown for its dense mat of grey-white elliptic leaves to 10cm long which forms a striking ground cover.

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, Sheltered
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 well-drained moderately fertile soil in full sun with protection from excessive winter wet
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by division or remove rooted sections in spring as growth begins
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews