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Description
Stachys Albens, also known as White Betony or Alpine Betony, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Lamiaceae family. It is native to the European Alps and grows in rocky and mountainous areas. The plant can grow up to 30 cm in height and has a woody stem with basal rosettes of oval-shaped, hairy leaves. The flowers are a pale pinkish-white color and bloom from June to September, attracting bees and other pollinators.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain| Eukaryota ||———–|———–|| Kingdom| Plantae|| Phylum| Magnoliophyta|| Class| Magnoliopsida|| Order| Lamiales|| Family| Lamiaceae || Genus| Stachys|| Species| Albens|
Appearance
Stachys Albens has a unique appearance that makes it stand out from other plants. The leaves are oval-shaped and hairy, measuring up to 10 cm in length. The stem is woody and covered in tiny hairs. The flowers are arranged in spikes and are a pale pinkish-white color. They bloom from June to September and attract bees and other pollinators. The plant can grow up to 30 cm in height and is perfect for rock gardens and alpine settings.
Care Guide
Stachys Albens is a relatively easy plant to care for, and it can thrive in a variety of conditions. Here are the care requirements for Stachys Albens: – Water: The plant needs regular watering, but it should not be overwatered. Water the plant when the soil is dry to the touch. – Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. – Soil: Stachys Albens prefers well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. – Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade. – Hardiness Zones: Stachys Albens is hardy in zones 5 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Stachys Albens is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but it can still be affected by some common issues. Here are the common pests and diseases that can affect Stachys Albens: – Spider Mites: These pests can suck the sap from the leaves, causing yellowing and wilting. Use insecticidal soap to control spider mites. – Aphids: These pests can also suck the sap from the leaves and cause yellowing and wilting. Use insecticidal soap to control aphids. – Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white powdery coating on the leaves. Remove infected leaves and use fungicide to control the disease.
Habitat
Stachys Albens is native to the European Alps, where it grows in rocky and mountainous areas. The plant prefers well-draining soil and can grow in full sun to partial shade. It is hardy in zones 5 to 9 and can tolerate cold temperatures. Stachys Albens is perfect for rock gardens and alpine settings, where it can add a unique touch to the landscape.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Stachys Albens a good plant for beginners?
A: Yes, Stachys Albens is relatively easy to care for and can tolerate a variety of conditions, making it a good plant for beginners.
Q: Can Stachys Albens grow in containers?
A: Yes, Stachys Albens can grow in containers as long as they have well-draining soil and are watered regularly.
Q: Can Stachys Albens attract pollinators?
A: Yes, Stachys Albens produces pale pinkish-white flowers that attract bees and other pollinators from June to September.
Q: Does Stachys Albens have any medicinal properties?
A: Yes, Stachys Albens has been used in traditional medicine to treat various conditions, including headaches, digestive problems, and respiratory issues.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Stachys Albens: – Stachys byzantina – Stachys officinalis – Stachys palustris
References
– “Stachys albens.” Plants For A Future, 1996-2012, https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Stachys+albens.- “Stachys albens.” Missouri Botanical Garden, n.d., http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=282109&isprofile=0&pt=2.- “Stachys albens.” Royal Horticultural Society, n.d., https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/242052/Stachys-albens/Details.
