Betony (bishop’s wort) Betonica officinalis
Betony (bishop’s wort) (Betonica officinalis) is an evergreen perennial flowering plant in the Lamiaceae family, native to Europe to western Asia and North Africa (meadows, heaths, open woods). It grows 30–60 cm (12–24 in) tall and 30–45 cm (12–18 in) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -30 °C (-22 °F). Space plants about 35 cm (14 in) apart.
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Betony (bishop’s wort) at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Mature height | 30–60 cm (12–24 in) |
| Mature spread | 30–45 cm (12–18 in) |
| Spacing | 35 cm (14 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -30 °C (-22 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 30 °C (86 °F) |
| Flowering | from about June for 6–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: leaves (herbal tea) |
| Native to | Europe to western Asia and North Africa (meadows, heaths, open woods) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇫🇷 France, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇵🇱 Poland, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇮🇹 Italy |
Is Betony (bishop’s wort) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Betony (bishop’s wort)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Betony (bishop’s wort)
- How far apart should I plant Betony (bishop’s wort)?
- About 35 cm (14 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–45 cm (12–18 in).
- Does Betony (bishop’s wort) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Betony (bishop’s wort) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Betony (bishop’s wort)?
- It tolerates about -30 °C (-22 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Betony (bishop’s wort) flower?
- From about June for 6–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Betony (bishop’s wort) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
- What grows well with Betony (bishop’s wort)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Betony (bishop’s wort). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Wildflowers and meadows, Plantlife (UK)
- RHS Find a Plant (plant profiles and growing guides), Royal Horticultural Society
Notes and assumptions
- Also known as Stachys officinalis. Rosettes of scalloped leaves and short, dense magenta spikes loved by bumblebees. Medieval herbals credited it with curing scores of ailments; none of that is proven (grade D).
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Basil Ocimum basilicum
- Rosemary Salvia rosmarinus
- Thyme Thymus vulgaris
- Mint Mentha spicata
- English lavender Lavandula angustifolia
- Creeping thyme Thymus serpyllum
- Common sage Salvia officinalis
- Oregano Origanum vulgare