Stachys macrantha ‘Superba’ (Big Betony)
Big Betony 'Superba', Stachys grandiflora 'Superba', Betonica grandiflora 'Superba', Stachys spicata 'Superba'
Noted for the spectacular display provided by its vivid flowers, Big Betony ‘Superba’ (Stachys macrantha) is a wonderful perennial featuring 2-3 whorls of vibrant, violet-purple, two-lipped flower spikes held above handsome mounds of soft, wrinkled, dark green leaves with scalloped edges. They bloom for a few weeks from late spring to mid-summer and always create an incredible show when massed!
- Aside from the interest provided by its lovely blossoms, Big Betony is easy to grow, naturalizes well, is pest and disease-free, deer or rabbit resistant and requires low maintenance. Its eye-catching flowers are attractive to pollinating insects.
- Its noteworthy qualities have earned it the Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society
- Thriving in full sun or light shade (in hot and humid areas), in average, medium moisture, and well-drained soils, this plant generally grows in a compact mound up to 18-24 in. tall and wide (45-60 cm).
- Hardy, this deciduous herbaceous perennial comes back reliably year after year. Drought tolerant once established. However, it is short-lived in the South and suffers from severe heat and humidity.
- Wonderful for edging, borders, informal naturalized spots, or cottage gardens. Big Betony also makes a fabulous ground cover for large, open, sunny garden areas. Valuable as a cut flower too! Plant in groups of 3 or more, for better visual impact. Combine Big Betony with Lady’s Mantle (Alchemilla Mollis), roses, or daisies
Requirements
| Hardiness |
4 - 8 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones |
7 - 9 |
| Climate Zones | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Plant Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Stachys |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early, Mid) |
| Height |
1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
| Spread |
1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
| Spacing |
18" - 24" (50cm - 60cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Plant of Merit, Showy |
| Tolerance | Drought, Deer |
| Garden Uses | Beds And Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Underplanting Roses And Shrubs |
| Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
Alternative Plants to Consider
Recommended Companion Plants
Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens
Photo credit: Jerry Harpur
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
| Hardiness |
4 - 8 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones |
7 - 9 |
| Climate Zones | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Plant Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Stachys |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early, Mid) |
| Height |
1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
| Spread |
1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
| Spacing |
18" - 24" (50cm - 60cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Plant of Merit, Showy |
| Tolerance | Drought, Deer |
| Garden Uses | Beds And Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Underplanting Roses And Shrubs |
| Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
