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Stachys spp.

Hedgenettles

Lamiaceae

Temperate and subtropical regions worldwide

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Deer Resistant Drought Tolerant Container Friendly

Native to North America

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterLow · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 4–8

Overview

Stachys spp. is a genus of about 300 species of perennials, annuals, and subshrubs in the mint family, Lamiaceae, distributed across temperate and warm regions worldwide. Like other mints, plants have square stems and opposite leaves, often aromatic when crushed. Leaf form varies widely, from the green, toothed, somewhat nettle-like foliage of the hedgenettles to the thick, silver-woolly leaves of S. byzantina, lamb's ear. Tubular two-lipped flowers are carried in whorls along upright spikes 15-90 cm (6-35 in) tall, in shades of pink, purple, red, white, or pale yellow. The flowers draw bees and other long-tongued insects. S. officinalis, betony, has been used in herbal traditions, while S. byzantina is grown chiefly for its felted foliage rather than its flowers. The genus grows in grassland, scrub, and disturbed ground, and several species spread by rhizomes to form mats. Most species die back in winter and resprout from the base in spring.

Native Range

Distributed across temperate and subtropical regions worldwide, with many species in the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and Asia, and others native to North and South America. S. byzantina comes from the Caucasus and Iran, while species such as S. palustris occur across North America. The genus grows in meadows, scrub, and damp ground.

Suggested Uses

Lamb's ear is used for silver foliage as edging and groundcover in sunny, dry borders, while flowering hedgenettles and betony are planted in cottage gardens and pollinator beds. Mat-forming species are used to cover dry banks.

How to Identify

Recognized by square stems, opposite leaves, and whorled tubular two-lipped flowers typical of the mint family. Hedgenettle species have toothed, slightly hairy green leaves, while lamb's ear has dense silver-white wool covering the foliage. The flower whorls spaced along an upright spike help separate Stachys spp. from related mints.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6" - 2'11"

Width/Spread1' - 2'

Colors

Flower Colors

red

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~6 weeks

Spring Summer

Flowering occurs from late spring through summer, generally May to August, with tubular flowers opening in succession up the spike. Bloom lasts several weeks. In S. byzantina the flower spikes are secondary to the silver foliage and are sometimes removed.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

pink to purple

Foliage Description

green to silver

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam sand chalk

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

1-2 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Most species grow in full sun to part shade in average, well-drained soil and tolerate poor, dry ground once established. S. byzantina needs sharp drainage and good airflow, as the woolly leaves rot in damp, humid conditions. Hardiness varies, with many species tolerating -30 C (-22 F). Rhizomatous species spread to form mats and can outgrow their position. Powdery mildew and leaf rot affect plants in crowded or wet sites.

Pruning

Spent flower spikes are sheared after bloom to tidy plants and limit self-seeding. In lamb's ear, rotted or tattered leaves are removed in spring as new growth appears. Rhizomatous clumps are divided in spring or autumn to control spread.

Pruning Schedule

summer