Betonica officinalis aka Bishop's Wort

Taxonomy

Betonica officinalis, also known as common hedgenettle, betony, purple betony, wood betony, bishopwort, or bishop's wort, is a herbaceous perennial plant in the mint family Lamiaceae. Native to Europe, western Asia, and northern Africa, this species is often referred to as Stachys officinalis due to its inflorescence resembling an ear of grain. The plant has a culinary and medicinal use, with Pliny mentioning its usage by the Vettones. It grows up to 60cm (2ft) high, producing attractive pure-white double flowers in summer that are highly appealing to bees and other pollinators. The foliage is soft green and crinkled, forming rosettes at the base. In its natural habitat, such as meadows, gardens, parks, pastures, hedge banks, and open forest woodlands, purple betony displays large heart-shaped leaves on long stems, while its 2-lipped flowers have 3 lobes, with the central lobe being the largest. Overall, this compact perennial is a valuable addition to wildlife gardens.

Common names

Bishop's Wort, Betonica Officinalis, Common Hedgenettle, Betony, Purple Betony

How to care for Bishop's Wort

Difficulty

Caring for Bishop's Wort is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.

Water

Bishop's Wort should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Bishop's Wort loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Bishop's Wort requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Betonica Officinalis is always in the right place to thrive.

Toxicity

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.

Fertilizer

The Bishop's Wort should be repotted when it has doubled in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing fresh potting soil with all the essential nutrients each year ensures the plant's well-being, eliminating the need for fertilizer. Remember, plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.

Growth-pattern

The Bishop's Wort is characterized by clumping growth, with new shoots emerging from the soil around the primary plant.


More info:
Wikipedia