Stachys recta
perennial yellow woundwort
A neat, clump-forming herbaceous perennial to 40cm tall, with alternate pairs of green, nettle-like leaves held on slender pale green stems; the foliage has a pungent smell when crushed. Flowerspikes bearing whorls of whitish-yellow flowers are produced from summer to autumn
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | White Yellow | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
Stachys can be annuals, perennials or shrubs, with paired leaves which are sometimes unpleasantly aromatic, and erect spikes or racemes of whorled, 2-lipped flowers
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in any moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun
Propagation
Propagate by seed or division
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildflower meadow
- Wildlife gardens
- Flower borders and beds
- Garden edging
Pruning
Cut back old flower stems in the spring before new shoots begin to emerge
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.