Stachys palustris (Marsh Betony)
Stachys palustris (Marsh Betony) is a marginal, aquatic perennial boasting thick spikes of pink or purple flowers in summer and early fall. Rich in nectar, they attract pollinators to the garden. They are borne on square stems clad with opposite pairs of leaves that are almost stalkless, linearly lanceolate and hairy. The foliage turns maroon to yellow in the fall. Marsh Betony is an enthusiastic spreader growing from a horizontal tuberous runner.
Stachys palustris (Marsh Betony) is a marginal, aquatic perennial boasting thick spikes of pink or purple flowers in summer and early fall. Rich in nectar, they attract pollinators to the garden. They are borne on square stems clad with opposite pairs of leaves that are almost stalkless, linearly lanceolate and hairy. The foliage turns maroon to yellow in the fall. Marsh Betony is an enthusiastic spreader growing from a horizontal tuberous runner.
- Grows up to 24-36 in. tall (60-90 cm) and spreads indefinitely.
- Performs best in full sun to part shade in rich, moist to wet soil at pond margins. Can be grown in water to 5 in. deep (12 cm).
- A charming addition to pond areas, water gardens, bog gardens.
- No serious pest or disease issues.
- Propagate by cuttings or division.
- Native to parts of Eurasia but has been introduced to North America.
Requirements
| Hardiness | 4 – 8 |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Aquatic Plants, Perennials |
| Plant Family | Stachys |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest | Summer (Mid,Late)Fall |
| Height | 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm) |
| Water Needs | High |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Poorly Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy |
| Native Plants | United States, Alaska, Midwest, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin, Northeast, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont |
| Tolerance | Wet Soil |
| Garden Uses | Bog Gardens, Ponds and Streams, Rain Gardens, Water Gardens |