alpine betony

Alpine betony should be watered regularly to ensure the health of the plant. The frequency and amount of water will vary depending on the conditions of your garden or pot. In general, during the growing season (spring and summer) it should be watered deeply once every week or every 10-14 days. Allow the soil or compost to dry out slightly between waterings, but the plant should never be allowed to droop or wilt. In the winter, reduce the frequency to once every 2-4 weeks. When watering, use lukewarm water and allow it to gently trickle onto the base of the plant. Excessive watering or waterlogging should be avoided, as this will cause root rot. If possible, water your plant in the morning or early afternoon instead of in the evening. This will give your plant the chance to use the moisture before nightfall.

Alpine betony (Betonica officinalis 'Hummelo' (syn. Stachys monieri)) thrives in full sunlight which means 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight every day. When located outdoors, the plant should be placed in an area that gets direct sunlight throughout the day; a plant in a container should also be placed in a location that gets full sun. Alpine betony prefers cooler temperatures and in warm climates, it can benefit from morning sunlight and afternoon shade.

Alpine betony should be pruned twice a year. First, in early spring (February or March) to shape the plant and remove dead or diseased growth, and second, in late summer (August or mid-September) to reduce the size and to encourage bushier growth. When removing old or dead growth, the pruning cuts should be made just above the nodes of the stems. If needed, up to 1 third of the plant can be pruned. Alpine betony benefits from light pruning for shaping. Avoid over-pruning or the plant may become woody and unattractive.