Stachys affinis
Chinese artichoke
An herbaceous, tuberous perennial to 60cm tall, with 4-angled stems and finely hairy, textured leaves. In summer purple-pink flowers are borne on erect flower stalks. The small, knobbly tubers (crosnes) can be eaten raw, cooked or pickled
Synonyms
Stachys tuberifera
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple Pink | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical 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
- Plant range
- China to Myanmar
How to grow
Cultivation
Plant tubers in spring, in a fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil in full sun. Tubers can be harvested from November as they are needed
Propagation
Propagate by division
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to slugs
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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