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Description
Stachys Pilosa Var. Pilosa, commonly known as the Hairy Hedgenettle, is a flowering plant that belongs to the mint family, Lamiaceae. It is native to southern and eastern Africa and grows as a perennial herb. This plant is widely cultivated in gardens for its attractive foliage and beautiful flowers. The Hairy Hedgenettle is an erect plant that grows up to 60 cm in height. It has a square stem with soft hairs and green leaves that are opposite, ovate, and covered in fine hairs. The flowers are tubular, pink or purple, and grow in clusters at the top of the stem. It blooms from late summer to early autumn, attracting bees and butterflies to the garden.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Stachys |
Appearance
The Hairy Hedgenettle is a beautiful plant that adds color and texture to any garden. It has soft, green leaves that are covered in fine hairs, giving them a velvety texture. The leaves are opposite, ovate, and have serrated edges. The stem is square and also covered in soft hairs. The flowers of the Hairy Hedgenettle are tubular, pink or purple, and grow in clusters at the top of the stem. They bloom from late summer to early autumn and attract bees and butterflies to the garden. The plant grows up to 60 cm in height and has a spread of 40 cm.
Care Guide
To keep your Hairy Hedgenettle healthy and thriving, follow these care tips:Water: The Hairy Hedgenettle prefers moist soil but can tolerate some drought. Water the plant regularly, especially during hot and dry weather.Fertilization: Fertilize the Hairy Hedgenettle with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Repeat the application every six weeks until late summer.Soil: The Hairy Hedgenettle prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Add compost to the soil to improve its fertility and drainage.Sunlight: The Hairy Hedgenettle prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade but may not flower as well.Hardiness Zones: The Hairy Hedgenettle is hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Hairy Hedgenettle is generally a healthy plant that is not prone to many pests and diseases. However, it may be affected by the following:Pests: Aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies may attack the Hairy Hedgenettle. Use an insecticidal soap or neem oil to control them.Diseases: The Hairy Hedgenettle may be affected by powdery mildew, leaf spot, and rust. Remove the affected parts of the plant and apply a fungicide to prevent the spread of the disease.
Habitat
The Hairy Hedgenettle is native to southern and eastern Africa and grows in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, woodlands, and savannas. It prefers moist soil and full sun to partial shade. In gardens, it can be grown in containers or as a border plant.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Hairy Hedgenettle a good plant for attracting pollinators?
A: Yes, the Hairy Hedgenettle is a great plant for attracting bees and butterflies to the garden.Q: Can the Hairy Hedgenettle grow in containers?
A: Yes, the Hairy Hedgenettle can be grown in containers as long as the soil is well-draining and the plant receives enough sunlight.Q: How often should I fertilize the Hairy Hedgenettle?
A: Fertilize the Hairy Hedgenettle with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Repeat the application every six weeks until late summer.Q: Is the Hairy Hedgenettle a hardy plant?
A: Yes, the Hairy Hedgenettle is hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants that you may also be interested in:- Stachys byzantina (Lamb’s Ears)- Stachys monieri ‘Hummelo’ (Hummelo Betony)- Stachys officinalis (Wood Betony)- Stachys palustris (Marsh Woundwort)
References
– “Stachys Pilosa.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=292452.- “Stachys Pilosa Hairy Hedgenettle.” PlantZAfrica, www.plantzafrica.com/plantssupt/stachypilos.htm.
