Stachys affinis

RHS Plant Profile
Chinese artichoke

Other common names

chorogi, crosnes, crosnes du Japon, Japanese artichoke, knotroot

Synonyms

Stachys tuberifera

Herbaceous Perennial

An herbaceous, tuberous perennial to 60cm tall, with 4-angled stems and finely hairy, textured leaves. In summer purple-pink flowers are borne on erect flower stalks. The small, knobbly tubers (crosnes) can be eaten raw, cooked or pickled

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1–2 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

Full sun
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
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
Plant Range
China to Myanmar

How to Grow

Cultivation

Plant tubers in spring, in a fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil in full sun. Tubers can be harvested from November as they are needed

Propagation

Propagate by division

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs

Diseases

Generally disease-free