Stachys spp.
Hedgenettles
Temperate and subtropical regions worldwide
Overview
Stachys 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
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6" - 2'11"
Width/Spread1' - 2'
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
pink to purpleFoliage Description
green to silverGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
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
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
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer
Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons