Stachys officinalis Alba

Stachys officinalis 'Alba', also known as White Betony or Official Betony, is a form of this easy-to-grow perennial with white flowers, common in meadows. Above a base of large, rough greyish-green leaves with a silvery tinge and toothed edges, it produces spikes of small pure white flowers in summer. Long known for its medicinal properties, it is also a decorative and undemanding plant, ideal for natural or wild gardens.

Betony belongs to the Lamiaceae family. Known and cultivated for a long time, it originates from temperate regions in France and England, in meadows, heathlands, roadside edges, or light and dry woodland. It is a medium-sized herbaceous plant measuring from 15 to over 60 cm (24in) high, with a basal rosette of foliage. The leaves are opposite and toothed on the edge, heart-shaped, slightly greyish-green and rough. From July to October, it produces flowers grouped in dense spikes at the end of stems with a few small leaves. The white flowers are two-lipped, with a lobe, measuring 1 cm (0in). This plant slowly forms beautiful clumps, growing from its thick crown.

Betony will naturally find a place in herb gardens, with thyme, savory, hyssop, and lavender, all of which are close relatives. It will also thrive in wild-looking borders, alongside plants like Great Comfrey, borage, centaureas, catmints, and asters (Aster cordifolius, Aster turbinellus...). It adapts to many situations, plant it at the edge of a border, at the base of shrub roses, or alongside perennial geraniums.

Its name Betony is derived from an Iberian people called the Vettones, who made extensive use of this plant during the Middle Ages and beyond. The dried leaves were sometimes used as snuff tobacco or tea. The young shoots can be consumed in salads, in moderation.