About

Stachys iva is a low-growing, aromatic perennial producing narrow, grey-woolly leaves and whorled spikes of small, two-lipped flowers in summer. An ornamental Stachys for a sunny, well-drained border or gravel garden.

About the genus

Stachyurus are small deciduous trees with simple, ovate leaves and stiffly pendent racemes of small bell-shaped pale yellow flowers in late winter and early spring

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5

Plant details

Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Wildlife gardens
Native toJapan, Korea

Care notes

CultivationGrow in light moist but well-drained, humus-rich, neutral to acidic soils. Suitable for shrub border or for growing in woodland garden or against a wall
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by seed or heeled semi-hardwood cuttings
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus in gardens where it is present but insufficient data to determine degree of susceptibility