Stachys sylvatica
common hedge nettle
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
Other common names
grass nettlehedge stachys
see morehedge woundwort
red archangel
wild nettle grass
archangel
wood betony
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 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 | Pink | Green | ||
| Autumn | Pink | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Native to the UK
- 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
Get involved
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