Downy woundwort (Stachys germanica)
Care, watering, light and tips for Downy woundwort on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Lamiaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 4 days
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 5–35 °C
About Downy woundwort
Stachys germanica, commonly known as Downy Woundwort or German Betony, is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family. It is characterized by its woolly stems and velvety, grayish-green leaves, which give it a soft, silvery appearance. Its spikes of purple flowers, appearing in summer, make it ideal for rock gardens, border plantings, or as an ornamental plant in dry, sunny gardens.
Native range
Europe, North Africa and Western Asia
Care tips
This plant thrives in full sun exposure and well-drained soils, even poor or calcareous ones, avoiding waterlogging which can rot its roots. Watering should be moderate, allowing the substrate to dry out between waterings, as it is drought-tolerant once established. A common mistake is overwatering, which can lead to fungal diseases; it's better to underwater than overwater. It doesn't require much fertilization and can benefit from light pruning after flowering to maintain a compact habit.
How to save a dying Downy woundwort
- Warning signs
- Wilting, yellowing, or browning leaves; soft stems. Could be over/underwatering or poor drainage.
- First aid
- Check soil moisture. If dry, water moderately. If waterlogged, repot into dry, well-draining soil.
- What kills it
- Overwatering and poor drainage quickly rot its roots.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if roots aren't completely rotted and you act promptly.