Betony - Betonica officinalis (Care, Characteristics, Distribution, Images)

Betony

Also known as: Bishop's wort, Common hedgenettle, Lousewort, Woundwort

Betony is a perennial flowering herb native to parts of Europe, Africa, and Asia. A purple-flowered member of the mint family, betony was often addressed in ancient folklore. The plant was thought to ward off sorcery, goblins, and even nightmares. Churches commonly added it to their gardens, in an attempt to keep ghosts away.

Scientific classification

Species

Betony (Betonica officinalis)

Mints plantains olives and allies

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Perennial

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Late spring, Summer, Fall

Bloom Time

Summer, Fall

Harvest Time

Brown, Copper

Fruit Color

Purple, Red

Flower Color

Green, Red, Purple

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Semi-evergreen, Deciduous

Leaf type

5 - 32 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Summer, Fall

Growth Season

Rapid

Growth Rate

Images of Betony

Culture

Garden Use

Betony has a long tradition of planting in herbal gardens. It also thrives in open meadows and grassland locations where the attractive and lightly scented flowers rise above the lower-growing base of leaves, adding delightful color to the landscape from mid-summer into early fall.

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Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Betony, including the following common varieties :

Betony 'Hummelo'

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Purple-red, two-lipped flowers with distinctive three-lobed structure.

Schizocarp fruit that splits into single-seeded segments with fine bristles.

Long-stemmed lanceolate leaves at the base, oblong stemless leaves above.

Soft, hairy, non-branching stems reaching 2 feet (60 cm) in height.

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Care Guide for Betony

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

5 - 32 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Betony thrives in damp grasslands, requiring consistent soil moisture while being drought-resistant. Water weekly and ensure moderate humidity indoors. Use well-draining soil and mulch to retain moisture, supporting healthy growth in this resilient perennial.

Fertilize: For betony, apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring and mid-summer to enhance health and blooms, using manufacturer's recommended dose. Fertilize twice per season, avoiding over-fertilization, which may hinder flowering. Use granular or liquid forms, following safety instructions to protect betony's roots.

Pruning: Prune betony in early to late spring by removing dead stems and spent flowers to encourage reblooming. Trim dense or leggy areas for better air circulation and shape. This maintenance enhances vigor, prevents disease, and aligns with the plant's growth cycle for robust development.

Propagation: Betony is best propagated by sowing in well-draining soil for healthy roots. Sow at a proper depth for root establishment and keep the soil moist without waterlogging. Careful monitoring in early stages supports robust growth for this perennial herb.

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Images of Betony

Culture

Cultivars

Quickly Identify Betony

Care Guide for Betony

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