Northwest Blooms · Perennials
Stachys officinalis
Betony
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Height
- 12 to 24 inches
- Width
- 12 to 18 inches
- Flower color
- Purple-pink, in dense spikes
- Foliage color
- Dark green, wrinkled, and lance-shaped
- Bloom time
- Summer
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Maintenance
- Low; deadhead spent flowers to encourage rebloom
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 4 to 8
- Wildlife
- Attracts bees and butterflies
About this plant
Stachys officinalis, commonly known as betony, is a hardy perennial that produces dense spikes of small, tubular, rose-purple flowers from early to mid-summer. The flower spikes rise above a clump of wrinkled, dark green foliage, creating an attractive contrast. The blooms are long-lasting and attract pollinators, making them a vibrant addition to garden spaces.
Originating from Europe, Stachys officinalis has a long history of use in traditional gardens, prized for both its ornamental value and its historical medicinal uses. Its upright flower spikes and tidy growth habit make it a versatile plant for borders, cottage gardens, or wildflower meadows. The eye-catching flowers and compact form bring both structure and color to various garden settings.
Works well in
Borders · Cottage Gardens · Pollinator Gardens · Containers
Companion plants
Bleeding hearts · Catmint · Heucheras · Lady's mantle · Hellebores · Hardy geraniums
Design tip
Summer flowers carry the middle of the season, so place it where the bed needs color once spring bulbs fade. Because it is easy about light, use it to carry a planting from a sunny end of the bed into the shadier side.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen in the perennial border at the Bellevue Botanical Garden.
