STACHYS macrantha

Stachys is a genus in the mint family with about 300 species mainly found in the northern hemisphere. Many have long been used in the herb garden and most are very attractive to bees. Best known to gardeners is the silver-grey woolly Stachys byzantina, or Lamb's Ears. Stachys macrantha has basal leaves that are a mid green and only slightly hairy, Flowering stems are up to 60 cm tall and bear dense spikes of hooded purple-pink flowers which open over a long period of time. Sunny spot in well drained soil. Best grown in moist free-draining soil in a sunny position, plants will withstand some dryness once established and are frost tolerant.