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Herbaceous Perennial

Stachys recta

perennial yellow woundwort

A neat, clump-forming herbaceous perennial to 40cm tall, with alternate pairs of green, nettle-like leaves held on slender pale green stems; the foliage has a pungent smell when crushed. Flowerspikes bearing whorls of whitish-yellow flowers are produced from summer to autumn

Synonyms
Nepeta recta

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer White Yellow Green
Autumn White Yellow Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Lamiaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Genus

Stachys can be annuals, perennials or shrubs, with paired leaves which are sometimes unpleasantly aromatic, and erect spikes or racemes of whorled, 2-lipped flowers

Name status

Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in any moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by seed or division

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Garden edging
Pruning

Cut back old flower stems in the spring before new shoots begin to emerge

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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