Stachys palustris
marsh woundwort
This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
- Position: full sun or partial shade
- Depth of water: 0-15cm (0-6in)
- Rate of growth: fast
- Flowering period: June to September
- Hardiness: fully hardy
Thriving in damp ground and along pond margins, this native herbaceous perennial emerges from a horizontal tuberous runner, boasting bristly square stems adorned with almost stalkless, dark green leaves. Unsuitable for smaller pond environments due to the plant’s vigorous and potential invasive tendencies, Stachys palustris is a standout choice for larger wildlife areas, where its hooded, lipped, mauve mint-like blooms provide a valuable food source for pollinators.
If using as a boggy/marginal aquatic, plant out in reliably moist or boggy soil, or pot up into a pond basket and place at the margins of a pond at a depth of 0-15cm (0-6in). Prune at any time during the growing season. Removing seed heads encourages new flowers to form. Cut back all growth at the end of autumn. Choose our 9cm pot range for planting above the waterline, or aquatic pot range for at or below the water's surface.