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Herbaceous Perennial

Stachys palustris
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

marsh woundwort

An upright, herbaceous perennial with square stems, dark green, hairy leaves and tapering spikes of hooded, lipped, pinkish-purple flowers in mid-summer

Other common names
clown's all-heal
clown's woundwort
see moremarsh betony
ploughman's all-heal
roughweed
all-heal
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Purple Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
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 to Mongolia & Himalayas

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist or wet soil, ideally in semi-shade

Propagation

Propagate by seed, or by division

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Wildflower meadow
Pruning

No pruning required; can be cut back in autumn

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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