Stachys officinalis
betonica officinalis
Also known as: ["Wood Betony","Lords and Ladies"]
Overview
A perennial herbaceous plant native to Europe and Asia, known for its medicinal properties and attractive flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["medicinal use","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Genus: | Betonica |
| Botanical Name: | Betonica officinalis |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: garden bed or container in a location with good air circulation
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Well-draining but moisture-retentive.
- Soil Type: Rich, loamy soil with good organic matter content.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in early spring before new growth begins; light pruning can be done after flowering.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of the oldest stems to rejuvenate the plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct or dappled sunlight per day. Adjust for intense summer sun by providing some afternoon shade.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh midday sun; for indoor plants, place near a south-facing window with sheer curtains.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even light exposure; use shade cloth in extreme heat; monitor for sunburn signs.
Watering
every 7–10 days during growing season, reduce in winter
Water deeply but infrequently; ensure good drainage; adjust frequency based on season and weather.
Soil
well-draining, loamy soil with moderate organic content
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Mulch to retain moisture; avoid compacted soil; ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 3–7; tolerates cold temperatures down to -30°F (-34°C). Prefers cool summers and can thrive in cooler climates.
Protect from late spring frosts; ensure good air circulation in hot weather; avoid sudden temperature fluctuations.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth
Fertilize sparingly; apply before active growth; water after fertilizing to distribute nutrients.
Propagation
Methods
Division or stem cuttings. Division is the most reliable method for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Division: Dig up clump, divide into sections with roots, replant immediately.
- Cuttings: Take 4–6 inch stem, remove lower leaves, plant in medium, keep moist.
Best Time: Early spring or fall when the plant is not in active bloom.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light for cuttings; division requires minimal special conditions.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with added perlite or sand for division; moist peat and perlite mix for cuttings.
Hormone
Optional for cuttings; rooting hormone can improve success rates.
Timeline
Division: immediate establishment; cuttings: roots in 4–6 weeks, transplantable in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Sharp, sterile knife or spade, pots, rooting hormone (optional), misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Divide every 3–4 years to maintain vigor; take cuttings from healthy, non-flowering stems.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut stems back to the base or a healthy lateral bud; thin out crowded growth to improve air circulation.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or damaged stems.
Tools
Sharp, clean bypass pruners or secateurs, gloves.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune in early spring; remove dead/damaged stems; shape the plant.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot; ensure it has drainage holes.
Method
Gently remove the plant, trim any circling roots, place in a new pot with fresh soil, and water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Not typically required for outdoor plants; container-grown plants may need repotting every 2–3 years.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh, well-draining soil; water after repotting; place in appropriate light.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and allow foliage to dry before nightfall. Ensure excess water drains away to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water moderately during spring and summer, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce watering in fall and winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility and structure; incorporate perlite or sand for better drainage if needed.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf scorch, stunted growth, or premature flowering in excessive heat; no significant cold stress symptoms due to hardiness.
Cold Stress
Minimal cold stress due to hardiness; may experience dieback in severe winters if not mulched.
Solution: Apply a thick layer of organic mulch around the base in late fall to insulate roots; avoid planting in exposed, windy sites.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering if water and shade are not adequate.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; avoid over-fertilization; water after application.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Avoid excessive nitrogen to prevent lush foliage at the expense of flowering.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicBetonica officinalis is not considered toxic to cats. The plant lacks compounds that are known to be harmful to felines. Ingestion may lead to mild gastrointestinal upset, but severe toxicity is unlikely.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicBetonica officinalis is not considered toxic to dogs. The plant does not contain known compounds that are harmful to canines. However, ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset due to the plant's astringent nature.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicBetonica officinalis, commonly known as Betony, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, ingestion of large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort due to its astringent properties. It has historically been used in traditional medicine for its purported benefits in treating headaches and respiratory issues.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the traditional uses of Betonica officinalis?
A: Historically, it has been used in herbal medicine to treat various ailments, including headaches, respiratory issues, and digestive problems.
Q: How should Betonica officinalis be propagated?
A: It can be propagated by seed in spring or by division of rootstocks in autumn.
Q: Does Betonica officinalis attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it is known to attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators due to its nectar-rich flowers.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during growi |
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