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Stachys rigida

rough hedgenettle

Lamiaceae Western North America

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Attracts Hummingbirds Deer Resistant Container Friendly

Native to North America

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterMedium

HardinessZones 6–9

Overview

Stachys rigida is a herbaceous perennial reaching 12-36 inches (30-90 cm) tall, with square stems that are usually rough with stiff hairs. Leaves are opposite, oblong to lance-shaped, 1.5-4 inches (4-10 cm) long, with scalloped margins and a wrinkled, hairy surface. Small two-lipped flowers are pink to pale purple, often marked with darker spots, about 0.5 inch (1.3 cm) long, arranged in interrupted whorls along an upright spike. Bloom occurs from late spring through summer. The plant spreads by rhizomes to form loose clumps and dies back to the ground in winter. It grows on a wide range of soils across varied habitats, and its appearance varies considerably between populations, which has led to several named varieties. The hairy foliage has a faint scent when crushed. In dry sites the lower leaves wilt and flowering is shorter.

Native Range

Native to western North America, from British Columbia south through Oregon and California into Baja California. Grows in moist meadows, streambanks, woodland edges, and disturbed ground from coastal areas to mid elevations.

Suggested Uses

Planted in informal borders, meadow plantings, and along pond and stream edges at 12-18 inch (30-45 cm) spacing. Its spreading habit suits naturalized settings more than formal beds, where it can outgrow its space. Supports bees and other pollinators in summer.

How to Identify

Square stems covered in stiff, rough hairs and opposite wrinkled leaves identify it as a hedgenettle, separate from true nettles, which sting. Flowers are pink to pale purple, two-lipped, about 0.5 inch (1.3 cm) long, in interrupted whorls up the stem. Treatment within Stachys spp. varies, and this species is sometimes folded into Stachys ajugoides as a variety.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1' - 3'

Width/Spread1' - 2'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~12 weeks

Spring Summer

Flowers from late spring into summer, roughly May through August depending on elevation and moisture. Whorls open from the base of the spike upward over several weeks. Bloom is heavier and longer in moist sites and shorter where soil dries early.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

pink to pale purple

Foliage Description

green

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 Range6.0 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam clay sand

Drainageaverage

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2-3 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Grows in full sun to part shade in average to moist soil. Water during dry spells to extend bloom; foliage wilts and flowering ends early in drought. The plant spreads by rhizomes and can form wide patches in moist, fertile ground. It needs little feeding and few inputs. There are no serious pests or diseases, though leaves may show powdery mildew late in the season in crowded plantings. Cut back stems after flowering or in late winter.

Pruning

Cut spent flower spikes after bloom to limit self-seeding and tidy the clump. Cut stems to the ground in late winter before new growth begins. Lift and divide spreading clumps in spring to control their size.

Pruning Schedule

summerwinter