Betony Stachys officinalis, (Betonica Officinalis) is commonly known as common Hedge Nettle, Betony, Purple Betony, Wood Betony, Bishopwort, or Bishop’s Wort. It was planted in churchyards to prevent activity by ghosts. A different way to take advantage of this herb’s protection is to dye some wool with it. Betony was also an ingredient of “Pistoja powder,” an old remedy for arthritis and gout. It was also claimed to be effective against snake and dog bites, and was believed to be a cure for drunkenness.
Often this species needs to be planted just before the frost or needs a long period of cold for stratification, so its seed dormancy can be overcome.
Thriving in a variety of environments, Betony prefers partial shade but can also grow well in full sun, particularly in cooler climates. It is naturally found in woodland edges, grassy meadows, and hedgerows, indicating its preference for well-drained, moderately fertile soils. Betony favours neutral to slightly acidic soil pH and benefits from consistent moisture, though it is drought-tolerant once established. While adaptable, it performs best in soil that retains moisture without becoming waterlogged.
Betony is low-maintenance and resistant to most pests and diseases, making it an ideal addition for both experienced gardeners and beginners. It grows to a height of 30–60 cm (12–24 inches), forming attractive clumps that can be easily divided in early spring or autumn for propagation.
Flowering typically begins in late May or June and can continue into September, especially if faded blooms are regularly deadheaded to encourage new growth. Whether used as a herbal remedy, a cottage garden staple, or a pollinator-friendly feature, betony is a versatile and charming plant that rewards minimal care with long-lasting beauty and resilience.
Flowering Season: June – September
Flower Colour: Reddish Purple
Size
Height: 50-100cm.
Spread: 10-50cm.
Time to reach full height: 2-5 years.
Growing Conditions
Soil Type: Chalk, Loam, Sand.
Moisture: Well drained.
Position
How much sun: Full Sun, Partial Shade.
Aspect: North, East, South, West facing.
Betony – Planting Information
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.
Plant Betony plugs into well drained soil in a sunny or shaded position for best results.
Delivery Information
This item will be despatched as soon as stock is available.
Seeds available all year round subject to availability.
All Plants, Bulbs and Seeds are despatched separately from other items.
Produced in the UK from cultivated stock.
Your Delivery
Turf Online aims to give its customers the best possible experience by delivering the best quality products for sale in the UK. Therefore, all our perishable products are harvested fresh to order the day before delivery!
Delivery charges and services vary by different types of turf and delivery location. Charges are confirmed at checkout before payment. If your order includes grass turf, topsoil, Wildflower Turf or Sedum mats, you can choose your delivery day. You should arrange for live products to be delivered on the day you will lay them. Reducing the amount of time the product is stored means significantly less potential nuisance when it comes to installation; certain issues will not have had a chance to rise. All other products are delivered within 5 working days (or usually sooner!).
How Is Your Product Delivered?
We recommend that you only make arrangements for tradespeople to carry out work on your behalf after your turf or other products have been delivered.
PLEASE NOTE: Turf, Wildflower Turf, Sedum Mats and bulk Bag products are delivered on a pallet and can only be delivered to the kerbside.
Most of our products for sale in the UK will be delivered by being transported by a pallet courier that primarily uses 18-tonne rigid trucks that are built for reaching the majority of UK addresses. However, it is possible that your delivery could be made on a larger vehicle. If access or other restrictions prevent vehicles above a certain size reaching your address, or there are other offloading or parking restrictions which could affect the delivery, let us know in the delivery notes section of checkout so that special delivery arrangements can be made. Please make sure you double check the delivery postcode and address carefully as after your order has been shipped, it is likely we will not be able to make any amendments to your order or address.
Delivery is unloaded using a manual pallet trolley which is lowered to the road by the tail lift on the truck. Unfortunately, we do not offer Hiab (truck-mounted crane) deliveries. To offload the pallet, the surface must be flat and level. Since Turf, Wildflower Turf, Sedum and topsoil can be heavy, and the pallet trolley pulled by the driver has small wheels, pallets cannot be delivered onto soil, grass or gravel – a tarmac or paved surface is required.
Kerbside delivery means that our products for sale in the UK is delivered as close as possible to the delivery address you provide. Our helpful drivers will do their best to place your delivery where you wish, such as a driveway, but this is at their discretion. If your delivery address is hard to find or the property is a new build, consider using what3words to pinpoint your delivery location. More information on what3words can be found in our Help Centre.
For more information on how The Pallet Network delivers our different types of products, please watch this short video.
What Issues Could Arise With Delivery?
If your product delivery cannot be made due to a reason you failed to make us aware of, the full cost of distribution and products will still be charged to you. We are proud that most of our turf deliveries arrive on time. Sometimes, circumstances beyond our control (extreme weather, road accidents, vehicle breakdowns or IT failures) can delay delivery, but we will make every effort to keep you updated in such an event.
