Also known as Stachys officinalis.
A native British wildflower of grasslands and heathlands that is popular with beneficial insects, bees, butterflies and other pollinators. It loves a slightly acidic soil but is fine with a slightly lime soil like ours here in BS7.
It grows to up to 60cm tall and 20cm across in sun or shade and a well-drained, poor soil. The pink/purple flowers are produced from June to August.
Betony / Betonica officinalis
Position: Flower border
Flowering months: Jun / Jul / Aug
Light: Full sun / Mix of sun and shade / Dappled shade
Soil: Loam / Chalk / Sand
Tested in our local soil (t.i.o.l.s.): Yes (but avoid heavy clay)
Drainage: Well drained / Moist but well-drained (never waterlogged)
Life Cycle: Short-lived perennial (flowers for two-four years)
Hardiness: Fully hardy (in Bristol winters)
Over Winter: Partially dies back (semi-evergreen)