Species big betony
purple flowers with green leaves and stems

big betony

Stachys macrantha

Big Betony is a species of plant belonging to the mint family. It has a short stem and opposite, pubescent leaves that tend to be kidney-shaped. Its flower spikes are a stunning shade of violet and feature larger flowers at the base of the spike with smaller flowers as you move downward. A natural occurring species, it is found mainly in moist meadows, woodlands, and forests in the Northern hemisphere. This perennial prefers full sun and partial shade while needing well drained soil. Big Betony does best in an area with average to dry moisture. It is a very beneficial species to have in a garden or natural area.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Division,Cutting,Seed Propagation,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 8

Flowers:

Pinkish-purple Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Big betony plants should be watered consistently but moderately. During the growing season, they should be moistened to a depth of 2-3 inches (5-7 cm) every week, or depending on the weather, every other week. In especially hot and dry weather, water can be applied every 5-6 days. During their dormant period, watering may be reduced to every 2 weeks or less. Always check that the soil is dry before watering; if the soil is still wet, the plant does not need watering. For potted Big betony plants, it is important that the potting soil is allowed to dry out to a certain degree between waterings.

sunlight

Big betony (Stachys macrantha) requires full sun to partial shade, with 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight each day for optimal growth. This species is adapted to a wide range of conditions and can tolerate some drought, although regular irrigation is recommended for best results. These plants also do well in a variety of soil types, making them an excellent choice for a wide range of landscaping projects.

pruning

Big betony should be pruned at the beginning of the growing season. About a quarter of the stems should be cut down, leaving tall stems to form the focal points of the plant. Pruning these stems encourages new growth and helps maintain an attractive, cascading shape. Any dead, diseased, or damaged stems should also be removed. For the remainder of the season, check the plant periodically for any unwanted or wayward stems that can be removed. Each season, remove any flowers that have withered away. This will keep the plant looking neat and encourage new blooms.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Big betony typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

Big betony typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Hardiness Map