Betony (Stachys officinalis) Seeds

Betony (Stachys officinalis) is one of the most striking native perennials for meadow and grassland planting — compact, robust, and producing vivid deep-pink to red-purple flower spikes from June through to September. Heights reach 20–60cm. In the wild it is most common in ancient meadows, woodland clearings, and road verges on neutral to slightly acid soils.

It is particularly good for bumblebees, which are among its primary pollinators, and the flowers also attract butterflies and solitary bees. Betony is a slow establisher but extremely long-lived once it takes hold — a reliable perennial addition to any meadow that is managed sympathetically with a single late-summer cut.

Best suited to neutral to mildly acidic, moderately well-drained soils. It tolerates partial shade, which makes it useful on grassland with light scrub or in meadows adjacent to woodland edge. Avoid very dry or very wet ground. Sow in autumn into a fine, exposed seedbed — cold stratification over winter improves germination. Expect slow establishment in year one with increasing flower production from year two.

Sourced from UK meadows. Sold as single-species seed for species introduction into existing habitats or new wildflower projects.