How big does Alpine betony grow?

About 55 cm × 50 cm after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 45–60 cm × 45–60 cm.

What soil does Alpine betony grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay, sandy, calcareous.

Is Alpine betony hardy?

Hardy down to -34 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

When does Alpine betony flower?

Flowering: June–September, purple, pink.

How much water does Alpine betony need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: medium.

Alpine betony

Stachys monieri

Alpine betony (Stachys monieri) is a perennial that reaches 55 cm × 50 cm after ten years. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -34 °C. Drought tolerance: medium. Sold in local shops from about €5.

Illustration of Alpine betony — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A long-lived perennial that makes a dense cushion of glossy, dark green, scalloped leaves, above which tight rosy-purple flower spikes stand for weeks in summer; bees and butterflies love it. The plant sold under this name is almost always 'Hummelo', which is now usually placed in common betony (Betonica officinalis, formerly Stachys officinalis). Once established it copes with shorter dry spells, but it is grateful for watering in a long drought; cutting off the spent spikes encourages more flowers.

Watch out for

Slugs and snails may chew the leaves and flowers; otherwise it has hardly any pests or diseases. In the hot, dry summers of Central Europe it needs watering in a prolonged drought or the foliage suffers. In cold winters the leaves die back or turn brown, and it resprouts in spring.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 55 cm × 50 cm
Hardiness: down to -34 °C
Foliage: Semi-evergreen
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D June–September, purple, pink

Group	Perennial
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	55 cm × 50 cm
Ultimate size	45–60 cm × 45–60 cm
Hardiness	down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous
Foliage	Semi-evergreen
Flowering	June–September, purple, pink
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Medium
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no data
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	40 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	no data
Typical price	from about €5

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
size not stated	approx. €5

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Ground cover plants Perennials for part shade Perennials for full sun Perennials that flower all summer Perennials for clay soil Perennials for pollinators Plants for containers Low-maintenance perennials

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