About
A densely woolly biennial wildflower, up to 1m high in flower, with basal rosettes of lance-shaped, serrated leaves covered with fine white hairs. Small purple-pink flowers are borne in whorls around the upright stems in the summer of the second year.
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, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationThrives in open but sheltered sites, on well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soils in sun or part shade. Prefers warm dry summers and does not compete well in crowded planting sites
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed, needs light to germinate
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs, snails and tortrix moth larvae as well as mice, voles and rabbits
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free