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Stachys officinalis
wood betony
Throughout Europe (Britain to Ukraine and Russia, south through Balkans and Mediterranean); open grasslands and heathlandLearn more
Overview
Stachys officinalis (syn. Betonica officinalis) is wood betony, a deciduous perennial growing 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) tall and 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) wide. Dense cylindrical terminal spikes 2-3 inches (5-7 cm) of rose-purple to magenta-pink tubular two-lipped flowers on erect square stems from June through August. Medium green oblong to ovate rugose (wrinkled) scallop-edged aromatic foliage. In the mint family (Lamiaceae). Historically one of the most important medicinal herbs in Europe — the common name 'betony' may derive from the Celtic bew (head) + ton (good), referencing traditional use for headaches. 'Hummelo' (RHS AGM) is the compact garden cultivar (12-18 inches / 30-45 cm) with dense magenta spikes. Not to be confused with Stachys byzantina (lamb's ears — a silver-woolly groundcover). A bumblebee nectar source. Cut back by half after the first flush for compact regrowth and a possible second bloom. Tolerates clay soil. Native throughout Europe (Britain to Ukraine, south through the Balkans and Mediterranean) in open grasslands and heathland. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant (aromatic). Drought-tolerant once established. Part sun to full sun. Zones 4-8. Growth rate is moderate.
Native Range
Native throughout Europe (Britain to Ukraine and Russia, south through the Balkans and Mediterranean), growing in open grasslands, heathland, and light woodland.Suggested Uses
Planted in cottage gardens, meadow plantings, and mixed borders in zones 4-8. 'Hummelo' for compact garden use. Bumblebee nectar source. Tolerates clay. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 2'
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Summer (June-August), lasting 6-8 weeks. Dense cylindrical magenta-rose spikes. Cut back by half for possible second flush. Bumblebee nectar source.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Rose-purple to magenta-pink; dense cylindrical terminal spikes 2-3 inches (5-7 cm) of small tubular two-lipped flowers on erect square stemsFoliage Description
Medium green, oblong to ovate, prominently wrinkled (rugose), scallop-edged, aromatic; square stems (family trait)Growing 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
Part sun to full sun. Well-drained soil — tolerates clay. Cut back by half after first flush for rebloom. 'Hummelo' for compact habit. Not to be confused with S. byzantina (lamb's ears). Non-toxic. Deer-resistant. Drought-tolerant. Zones 4-8.Pruning
Cut back by half after the first bloom flush (July-August) for compact regrowth and possible second flush. Cut to the ground in fall or early spring (March). Divide every 3-4 years in spring.Pruning Schedule
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summerearly spring