Stachys coccinea (Hedge nettle)

Botanical name

Stachys coccinea

Other names

Hedge nettle, Scarlet woundwort, Scarlet betony, Scarlet hedgenettle, Red-flowered lamb's ear, Texas betony

Genus

Stachys Stachys

Species

S. coccinea - S. coccinea is a spreading, softly hairy, deciduous perennial with ovate, oblong, or lance-shaped, wrinkled, veined, mid-green leaves and upright stems bearing slender spikes of scarlet flowers from mid-spring into autumn.

Native to

Southwestern United States

Foliage

Semi evergreen

Fragrance

Leaves release an unpleasant smell when crushed or bruised.

Habit

Spreading

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Colour

Flower

Scarlet in Spring; Scarlet in Summer; Scarlet in Autumn

Foliage

Mid-green in Spring; Mid-green in Summer; Mid-green in Autumn

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How to care

Watch out for

Specific pests

Slugs

Specific diseases

Powdery mildew

General care

Pruning

Remove faded flower spikes. Cut back in autumn to maintain a compact habit.

Propagation methods

Division, Seed

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Stachys coccinea (Hedge nettle) will reach a height of 0.6m and a spread of 0.5m after 2-5 years.

Suggested uses

Woodland, Wildlife, Rock, Low Maintenance, Gravel, Cottage/Informal, Bees (attract & feed bees), Beds and borders, Banks and Slopes

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, moist soil in sun or part shade. Spreads by underground runners. Attracts bees. Avoid waterlogged soil.

Soil type

Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)

Soil drainage

Moist but well-drained, Moisture-retentive

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Full Sun

Aspect

North, South, East, West

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Hardy (H4)

USDA zones

Zone 10, Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Stachys coccinea (Hedge nettle)

Common pest name

tomato thrips

Scientific pest name

Ceratothripoides brunneus

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Thrips present in Africa; the Caribbean and parts of Asia; frequently intercepted in the UK. Can cause significant damage to tomatoes and other crops in countries where it is present. Europe wide PRA will consider its potential to establish and cause damage.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/