About
An upright, herbaceous perennial with square stems, dark green, hairy leaves and tapering spikes of hooded, lipped, pinkish-purple flowers in mid-summer.
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, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesWildlife gardens, Wildflower meadow
Native toEurope to Mongolia & Himalayas
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moist or wet soil, ideally in semi-shade
PruningNo pruning required; can be cut back in autumn
PropagationPropagate by seed, or by division
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free