Stachys officinalis Labiatae

CULTIVATION A hardy perennial herbaceous herb, it has aromatic, felty, dull green leaves with spikes of pink or purple flowers from late summer. It reaches 45-60cm (18-24in) and prefers fertile soil and light shade. Propagate it by sowing seeds in early spring or by dividing clumps in spring or autumn, planting them 30cm (1ft) apart. Harvest the leaves at any time and the flowers from late summer. It is a good garden, border and woodland herb, but it can become invasive.