Guide to growing Bishop's Wort - Stachys

Plants of the Stachy genus are hardy perennial or half hardy perennial spreaders and sub-shrubs that range from 15 to 90cm in height.

Many Stachys members have attractive lobed shaped silver fuzzy leaves, while others have heart shaped leaves.

Stachys bloom from spring through summer and have spikes of lipped and hooded, purple colored, flowers.

Some common names for members of the Stachy genus include Bishop's Wort, Betony, Lamb's ears, Lamb's tongue, Woundwort and Donkey's ears.

How to grow Bishop's Wort and other Stachy members

The seeds of Stachys members such as Bishop's wort and Lamb's tongue can be grown from seed outdoors by sowing in early spring or early autumn; lightly cover the Stachy seed once sown. The spacing of Stachy depends on the species 20 to 30cm apart (small Stachy varieties); 30 to 45cm (medium species); 45 to 60cm (large Stachy species). Stachy species such as Bishop's wort are able to grow in both sunny and partially shaded locations and will grow in most soils; for best results grow in a rich soil.

If starting indoors then start off Bishop's wort (and other Stachy) about two months before planting outside. It will take about two to four week for Stachy seeds to germinate at 21 to 24 degrees centigrade. Hardy Stachy should be transplanted outdoors in autumn or before the last frost of spring, whereas half hardy varieties of Stachy should be put into the garden a few weeks after the last frost of spring.

Caring for Stachy

It is easy to look after Donkey's ears, Betony, Bishop's wort and other Stachy species. Once they have finished flowering remove the stems. To maintain vigorous growth divide the Stachy plants every four years. If you require more plants then they can be propagated by division in the spring or autumn.