The Difference Between Stachys Officinalis & Betonica Officinalis

Characteristics

• Stachys officinalis is a perennial herb with dark green, oval-to-oblong leaves up to 5 inches long. The plant flowers from late spring to early summer, sending up tall spikes of tubular flowers on stems that rise 1 to 3 feet above the foliage. Although some related species, like Stachys byzantina, are nicknamed lamb's ears due to their broad, fuzzy leaves, Stachys officinalis has more narrow foliage. In bloom, the plant most closely resembles salvia.

Growth Habit

• Stachys officinalis grows in dense clumps that spread gradually, forming a thick, lush ground cover. The plants are low-growing, reaching only about 18 to 24 inches tall, with a spread of about 18 inches. Stachys officinalis has a rounded, mounding habit and can be invasive in some areas.

Culture

• Grow Stachys officinalis outdoors in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 8. Plant in an area of the garden that receives partial to full sun. Stachys officinalis grows quickly and prefers loamy, well-drained soil with neutral acidity. Plant seeds on top of prepared flowerbeds once the temperature reaches at least 70 degrees F in spring. The seeds do not need to be covered. If clumps become too dense, you can divide them in spring and transplant the sections. Keep the seeds or transplants evenly moist but not wet. Once the plants are established in the garden, they require little care. You also can propagate Stachys officinalis with cuttings.

Uses

• Massed in the garden, Stachys officinalis produces an eye-catching sea of color during the blooming season. The plant is suitable as an edging plant along garden paths or sprinkled or massed in herb gardens. Fresh or dried, the blooms add color to flower arrangements. Stachys officinalis naturalizes easily. Unless you remove spent flowers, the plant will produce seeds that sow themselves freely in the garden. The leaves are suited to making a slightly astringent tea that was traditionally used to relieve headache pain.