Stachys

This group consists of about 300 species of mostly hardy perennials, which belong to the Mint family, Labiatae. These plants are widely distributed throughout Europe and other north temperate regions and several are found wild in North America.Some are valued for their attractive foliage, while others are appreciated for their spikes of pretty flowers. Their common names include: Betony, Bunnies' Ears, Hedge Nettle, Lamb's Ears, Lamb's tongue, and Woundwort. One, S. Sieboldii (Chinese Artichoke), is grown for its tuberous roots, which can be eaten raw in salads, pickled, or boiled briefly, then fried. (Note: the Chinese Artichoke is different from the true Globe Artichoke, Cynara, or the Jerusalem Artichoke, Helianthus.)


Ornamental Stachys: S. saxicola is a tender kind that can be grown in window gardens, greenhouses, and outside in warm, dry climates. This spreading variety can grow from 8 to 10 inches high. Its stems are covered thickly with white hairs, as are the heart-shaped or rounded leaves. Terminal spikes of white flowers with purple stamens are produced, although they aren't nearly as ornate as the foliage. S. macrantha 'Superba' forms spreading clumps of heart-shaped, hairy, crinkled, medium green leaves. In mid-summer, dense, whorled spikes of beautiful flowers are produced. Each tube-shaped, purplish-violet flower is hooded with two lips and is very attractive to bees. The cut flowers last well in an indoor arrangement. This plant grows from one to two feet high. S. byzantina (Lamb's Ears; Bunnies' Ears; Woolly Betony; Woundwort) produces very soft, thick, oblong to spoon-shaped, green leaves, which are densely covered in white fuzz. In the summer, woolly spikes of pink or purple flowers are produced. This plant grows from 12 to 15 inches high. The common name (Woundwort) of this variety came to be because of the plants ability to clot blood when wrapped around a wound. S. byzantina 'Primrose Heron' forms basal rosettes of evergreen, oblong to spoon-shaped or elliptic, yellowish-green leaves. They are densely covered with white hairs. In the summer, erect spikes of small, tubular, pink flowers are produced. This variety grows from 12 to 15 inches high. Another variety of S. byzantina, called 'Silver Carpet' forms a low carpet (up to 6 inches) of evergreen, oblong to spoon-shaped leaves. These green leaves are covered thickly in white wool. Flowers are rarely produced on this variety.


Chinese Artichoke: S. Sieboldii is a hardy perennial with creeping, potato-like roots. This plant grows to from 9 to15 inches high and produces its edible roots just beneath the soil's surface.

Pot Cultivation

These plants will flourish in regular, well drained, preferably sandy, garden soil in a sunny location. Since they spread rapidly by underground rhizomes, take care to keep them within their allotted spaces. Plant the tubers of the Chinese Artichoke 3 inches deep and 9 inches apart in rows that are spaced 18 inches from each other. A bit of manure can be dug into the soil. Keep the soil's surface raked and watered during dry periods. When the foliage has died down, the tubers may be lifted as needed, because they won't keep if exposed to the air.

Propagation

These plants can easily be increased by dividing the roots at planting time or by taking cuttings or rooted offsets and inserting them in sand or vermiculite. Seeds may also be sown. Tubers of the Chinese Artichoke may be lifted in the fall and stored in sand or sandy soil in boxes in a cellar or similar place. They may by replanted in the spring.