Stachys x ambigua (Hybrid woundwort)

Botanical name

Stachys x ambigua

Other names

Hybrid woundwort

Genus

Stachys Stachys

Species

S. x ambigua - S. x ambigua is an erect, pungent, rhizomatous, deciduous to semi-evergreen perennial with hairy stems bearing oblong to ovate, toothed, veined, dark green leaves and spikes of whorled, white-marked, reddish-purple to purple-pink flowers from early summer to early autumn.

Foliage

Deciduous

Fragrance

Leaves release an unpleasant smell when crushed or bruised.

Habit

Erect

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Colour

Flower

Reddish-purple in Summer

Foliage

Dark-green in Spring; Dark-green in Summer; Dark-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.

Propagation

Flowers are sterile so will not produce viable seed.

Propagation methods

Division, Seed

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Stachys x ambigua (Hybrid woundwort) will reach a height of 1m and a spread of 1.2m after 2-5 years.

Suggested uses

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

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, moist soil in sun or part shade. Spreads by underground runners. Attracts bees. Avoid waterlogged soil. Suitable for woodland margins and meadow planting.

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 9, Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Stachys x ambigua (Hybrid woundwort)

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/