Stachys sylvatica

RHS Plant Profile
hedge woundwort

Other common names

common hedge nettle, grass nettle, hedge stachys, red archangel, wild nettle grass, archangel, wood betony

Herbaceous Perennial

An herbaceous perennial to 80cm tall, with alternate pairs of nettle-like leaves held on finely hairy, square stems; the foliage has a pungent smell when crushed. Flowerspikes bearing whorls of pink flowers are produced from summer to autumn

Position

Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H7

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Lamiaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
Yes
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
Plant Range
Europe, W Asia

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in any moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in partial shade

Propagation

Propagate by seed or division

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Wildlife gardens

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free