Betony is a historically significant perennial herb whose value is being revitalized both by a re-commitment to growing medicinal herbs for personal use and a dire need to boost the pollinator population.

Hardy to Zone 4 and quite content in average soil, as well as partial shade (it will also thrive in full sun), Betony’s attractive and curiously interrupted flower spikes can provide a desirable pollen source for bees and butterflies in locations where many other types of pollinator-friendly plants can’t succeed.

The “interrupted” nature of the purple flower spikes performs a unique purpose, creating micro-environments of pollination that provide plenty of simultaneous space for both trolling species of pollinators (such as bumblebees) and smaller pollinating bees and flies. Smaller pollinators are sometimes disrupted by the pollen trolling of larger species and the separate, single-round row of flowers typically 1-3 inches below the main flower spike provides an ideal plan B for these tiny pollinators.

Betony’s blossoming period occurs in mid-summer and the flowering period lasts approximately 1 month. After this period, explore Betony’s potential direct benefits to humans by making a tea from this member of the mint family’s leaves, as the ancient Egyptians, Romans and Anglo Saxons did - and a growing number of herbal enthusiasts are doing today.

In regards to flavor, Amy Jeanroy at The Spruce recommends it as a substitute herb for black tea. Sip your tea and have a little fun musing about your Betony warding off ghosts and goblins, as it was called upon to do at old monasteries, still growing today along the rocky borders of gardens or along the east/west walls of ancient structures. What ever else your purpose, your local pollinators will be grateful for this enriching addition to your garden space.

Care: Betony is a low maintenance plant that competes well with more aggressive perennials, does well in rocky conditions, and requires only average soil and partial shade. It also does well in full sun, but in   most Zone 8 climates or regions where the summers regularly hit 90+ degrees F, it’s may be best to avoid more than 6 hours of direct sunlight.

Betony can be picked fairly aggressively for teas after the bloom period and lightly prior. Spreading via rhizomes, one should divide Betony every 3 to 5 years, depending on it’s rate of growth. Betony also may self sow in your garden. Unlike Florida Betony, Stachys officinalis is not considered an invasive concern.