Betonica officinalis ‘Summer Grapes’ (syn. Stachys officinalis)

Betony Lamiaceae

A handsome modern selection of our native Wood Betony, Stachys officinalis ‘Summer Grapes’ (syn. Betonica officinalis ‘Summer Grapes’) is a particularly strong-flowering form, selected for its relatively compact habit and long, upright spikes of rich purple flowers. The dark green, softly crinkled foliage forms a neat basal clump, above which sturdy, largely leafless stems rise to around 60 cm. The flowers are held in dense, elongated spikes and appear over an unusually long period from June into August, providing a rich source of nectar for bees and other pollinating insects. 

‘Summer Grapes’ is part of a newer generation of American-bred Betonica officinalis selections developed to offer taller flowering stems and stronger colours than the familiar forms of the British native species. It is now being introduced more widely into European horticulture, alongside selections such as ‘Summer Sweets’ and ‘Summer Snowcone’. The cultivar is also protected by plant-patent applications in the USA and EU. 

In cultivation it is an easy and adaptable perennial, happiest in full sun to partial shade and a reasonably well-drained soil. It tolerates ordinary garden soil, including moderately dry conditions once established, and makes an excellent plant for the middle of a border, gravel garden or naturalistic planting. The sturdy flower stems also make good cut flowers, while deadheading can encourage a longer display. Its combination of compact foliage, strong stems and intensely coloured flowers makes it a particularly useful modern interpretation of a familiar British wildflower.

Height: 35 cm foliage; flowering stems to 60 cm
Spread: 50–55 cm
Flowering: June–August
Hardiness: H5, approximately –15 to –10°C
Growing conditions: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil; full sun to partial shade. Adaptable and reasonably drought tolerant once established.
Range: The species is native to Europe, including Britain; ‘Summer Grapes’ is a cultivated American selection.
Habit: Compact, clump-forming herbaceous perennial with dark green, crinkled basal foliage and strong, upright flowering stems.
Flowers: Rich purple, tubular, two-lipped flowers densely packed into elongated spikes.
Wildlife: Excellent for bees and other pollinating insects.
Cut flower: The strong, upright flowering stems make good cut flowers.
Introduction: A modern American-bred selection of Stachys officinalis, developed as part of a series of taller, strongly coloured cultivars. 
Nomenclature: Stachys officinalis ‘Summer Grapes’, now also treated as Betonica officinalis ‘Summer Grapes’.