Sulphur Clover

stachys recta

Also known as: ["Sulphurwort","Lamb's Ear"]

Family: Lamiaceae Genus: Stachys Category: Herbs & Weeds

Overview

A perennial herbaceous plant with woolly, grey-green leaves and spikes of small, yellowish-white flowers.

Benefits & Perks

["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Lamiales
Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Stachys
Botanical Name: Stachys recta

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Herbs & Weeds
  • Suitable Location: garden bed or container in a sunny spot
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Busy People (low Maintenance) Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"5–9"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter; can tolerate poor soils.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: low
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring; light pruning can be done after flowering.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of the plant if overgrown.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); adjust for intense summer sun.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun; protect from harsh midday sun; place in dappled shade during peak summer.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil conditions or overwatering.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Morning sun is ideal; avoid hot afternoon sun; rotate plant for even growth.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter

Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid overhead watering.

Soil

well-drained, moderately fertile soil

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Ensure soil is not compacted; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with organic matter if needed.

Temperature

Prefers moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); tolerates cooler conditions but not frost.

Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature swings; maintain moderate humidity.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer

Fertilize sparingly to avoid overfeeding; apply after watering to prevent root burn; stop in late fall.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take a 4–6 inch cutting.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in rooting hormone (optional).
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Keep moist and warm.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.

Medium

Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also root in water initially.

Hormone

Rooting hormone is optional but recommended for faster rooting.

Timeline

Roots develop in 2–4 weeks; new growth appears in 6–8 weeks.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining mix.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep cuttings out of direct sun; maintain humidity with a plastic bag if needed.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Cut back stems to just above a leaf node or bud; remove dead or crossing branches.

Pruning Plan

Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or damaged stems.

Tools

Pruning shears, sterilizing solution, gloves.

Checklist

Sterilize tools; prune dead/damaged stems; shape the plant; clean up debris.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before the active growing season begins.

Pot Size

Choose a pot one size larger (1–2 inches wider in diameter).

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; place in a new pot with fresh soil; water lightly.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for growth and soil freshness.

Checklist

Select new pot; prepare fresh soil; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting leaves.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; allow excess water to drain away; water in the morning to reduce evaporation.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to direct water to the roots without wetting foliage.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth in extreme heat or cold.

Cold Stress

Growth slows or halts; leaves may turn brown or drop; susceptible to frost damage.

Solution: Move to a warmer location; provide frost protection in winter; avoid cold drafts.

Hot Stress

Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; soil dries out quickly.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; improve air circulation.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid winter feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength; apply every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring to early fall); avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellow leaves in Stachys recta may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, affecting photosynthesis and overall plant health.

Wilting in Stachys recta can result from water stress, either due to drought or overwatering, leading to reduced turgor pressure and potential root damage.

Leaf spots on Stachys recta may be caused by fungal or bacterial infections, leading to reduced photosynthetic efficiency and potential leaf drop.

Rotting in Stachys recta is often caused by excessive moisture, leading to root or stem rot, which can be fatal if not addressed promptly.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Stachys recta is generally considered non-toxic to cats. There are no known adverse effects associated with casual contact or ingestion of small amounts.

⚡ Toxic If:

not typically toxic

No special precautions are needed for cats around Stachys recta.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Stachys recta is generally considered non-toxic to dogs. There are no known adverse effects associated with casual contact or ingestion of small amounts.

⚡ Toxic If:

not typically toxic

No special precautions are needed for dogs around Stachys recta.
Humans
Slightly Toxic

Stachys recta contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress when ingested in significant amounts. The plant's effects are generally not severe but can lead to discomfort.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea stomach pain diarrhea
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves flowers
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten in large quantities

Avoid consuming large amounts of Stachys recta. Wash hands after handling the plant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Stachys recta safe for pets?

A: Yes, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.

Q: Does Stachys recta attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.

Q: How much maintenance does Stachys recta require?

A: It requires low maintenance and is drought tolerant.

Quick Reference
Family: Lamiaceae
Care: easy
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["beginners","busy people (low maintenance)","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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