About
A neat, clump-forming herbaceous perennial to 40cm tall, with alternate pairs of green, nettle-like leaves held on slender pale green stems; the foliage has a pungent smell when crushed. Flowerspikes bearing whorls of whitish-yellow flowers are produced from summer to autumn.
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, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationGrow in any moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun
PruningCut back old flower stems in the spring before new shoots begin to emerge
PropagationPropagate by seed or division
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free