A member of the deadnettle family, a sturdy perennial, betony’s bright magenta pink flowers make striking splashes of colour from early summer to well into autumn. Betony is commonly found in old country churchyards, where it was planted in the past for its medicinal value and in the belief that it had powers that would ward off ghosts, goblins and other unwelcome spirits. First referred to in a work by the Roman physician Antonius Musa, he claimed it was effective against sorcery. It was also known as one of the great ‘all-heals’ of medieval herbalists.

Betony prefers dryish, light soils often on sunny banks and hedgerows, on heathland and other grassy places including, occasionally, the undisturbed margins of arable fields.

In flower from June to October.

Sow Betony Stachys officinalis seeds onto the surface of moist well-drained compost and press in lightly. Do not cover with soil as light is needed for germination.

700 Seeds per gram