Betony Betonica Officinalis is a herbaceous perennial native to Europe and Asia. Also called Bishopswort, Purple Betony, Common Hedgenettle, Woundwort, Wood Betony, and previously known as Stachys Officinalis, this pretty little wildflower is a slow growing, long-lived perennial plant. Betony seeds can be started directly outdoors in late summer, fall or early spring, and Stachys Officinalis grows forming a very attractive mat of clumping foliage with basal rosettes of ovate, glossy, dark green leaves and producing dense spikes of tiny, rose-lavender flowers on a top of tall leafless flowering stems that rise well above the foliage mat. The various pollinators including bees and butterflies are attracted to blooming Purple Betony.
Betony is a popular groundcover or edging plant, and it is often planted in cottage gardens and informal naturalized areas. As a herb Wood Betony was at one time commonly used as a medicinal plant in the treatment of a wide range of disorders including an external application to wounds and as a stimulator of digestive system. Betonica Officinalis seeds can be started indoors in pots from October to February, and when the seedling reaches 3 inches, it can be transplanted outdoors in spring. Wood Betony grows best in average, moist well drained soil and full sun or partial shade tolerating poor soil conditions including clay.
PLANT PROFILE
Season: Perennial
Height: 12-24 Inches
Bloom Season: Summer/Fall
Environment: Sun/Partial Shade
Soil Type: Average/Moist well-drained
USDA Zones: 4-8
PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS
Sow Indoors: Fall/Winter (October-February)
Sow Outdoors: Late Summer/Fall/Early Spring
Seed Depth: 1/16 Inch
Germination Time: Germination irregular over several months
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