Betony (Stachys officinalis 'Pink Cotton Candy')

Overview

Stachys officinalis ‘Pink Cotton Candy’ is a standout herbaceous perennial, offering a magnificent display of vividly colored flowers without demanding excessive attention from the gardener. This cultivar of Betony features dense whorls of unique, two-lipped flowers in an eye-catching cotton candy pink hue, differentiating it from the more common reddish-purple varieties. It forms a tidy basal clump of deep green, textured foliage, providing excellent structure before the flower spikes emerge.

This versatile perennial thrives in average, well-drained soils and prefers a location receiving full sun, though it appreciates a gentle reprieve from the harshest afternoon heat in humid climates. Beyond its beauty, Stachys officinalis ‘Pink Cotton Candy’ is valued for its low maintenance needs and its spreading habit via rooting stolons, which help it naturally transition into an attractive ground cover over time. Gardeners seeking reliable summer color and structure will find this Betony an exceptionally rewarding addition.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Lamiaceae
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-8
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 1.5-2 ft
  • Spread: 1.5-2 ft
• Bloom Time: June to August
• Bloom Description: Cotton candy pink
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

Planting Stachys officinalis ‘Pink Cotton Candy’ is best achieved in the spring or fall, ensuring the plant is sited in average, medium, well-drained soil. While it prefers full sun, providing a light break from the intense afternoon rays will enhance performance in very hot climates. Space plants 12 to 18 inches apart if you intend for the rhizomatous spread to fill in as a ground cover.

Watering should be consistently medium; keep the soil evenly moist, especially while the plant is establishing its root system. Once mature, this Betony shows some drought tolerance, making it a resilient choice for summer borders. Fertilization is generally not required, as over-fertilizing can lead to weak, floppy growth rather than sturdy flower spikes.

Maintenance for this variety is delightfully low. The most important cultural practice is to cut back the spent flowering stalks. Promptly shearing off the faded spikes encourages the plant to rebloom, extending the spectacular bloom period of the cotton candy pink flowers well into late summer.

Landscape Uses

The robust form and beautiful summer color make Stachys officinalis ‘Pink Cotton Candy’ exceptionally versatile. Its upright habit makes it an excellent choice for borders, where it provides vertical contrast to lower-growing perennials. It fits perfectly into the romantic texture and relaxed structure of cottage gardens or informal, naturalized settings.

When massed together, the vibrant flower spikes of this Betony create a breathtaking tapestry of color, resembling some Salvias in its presentation. Furthermore, the plant’s spreading nature means it works well as an interesting, textured edging plant or as a low-maintenance filler that suppresses weeds as it matures. ‘Pink Cotton Candy’ is also suitable for use in smaller garden spaces where its 2-foot height remains manageable.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy

Noteworthy Characteristics

Stachys officinalis is native to Europe and Asia and is celebrated for its late-spring floral display, although the ‘Pink Cotton Candy’ cultivar excels in summer. It features wrinkled, dark green leaves forming a basal clump, from which upright flowering stems emerge, topped by whorls of two-lipped, tubular flowers. This specific variety was introduced by the Chicago Botanic Garden, showcasing dense whorls of cotton candy pink flowers that often fade to a lighter pink, creating a wonderful two-tone effect throughout its long bloom season.

Tolerances

• Deer
• Black Walnut

Potential Problems

Stachys officinalis ‘Pink Cotton Candy’ is generally robust, facing no serious insect or disease problems under standard garden conditions. The primary nuisance reported involves occasional visits from snails and slugs, particularly when young or when moisture levels remain high. To manage these common garden pests, apply appropriate bait or handpick them in the evening, especially during damp weather.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Betony suitable for?

Stachys officinalis ‘Pink Cotton Candy’ is reliably hardy in USDA Zones 4 through 8.

How large does Stachys officinalis ‘Pink Cotton Candy’ grow?

This perennial typically matures to a height between 1.5 and 2 feet tall, with a similar spread of 1.5 to 2 feet.

What sun exposure does Betony need?

This plant performs best when positioned in full sun, though it appreciates some light shade protection during the hottest part of the day in warmer regions.

When does Betony bloom?

You can expect the signature blooms of Stachys officinalis ‘Pink Cotton Candy’ to appear primarily from June through August, with the possibility of repeat flowering later in the fall.

Conclusion

Stachys officinalis ‘Pink Cotton Candy’ delivers significant summer impact with its unforgettable cotton candy pink blooms and remarkably low upkeep needs. Its deer resistance and ability to spread gently make it an ideal, fuss-free plant for creating continuous texture in borders and naturalized areas. Before planting, confirm that the USDA Zones 4-8 range aligns with your local climate, and ensure well-drained soil is provided for years of vibrant performance.

Companion Planting

Selecting companions that share similar light and water needs will help maximize the visual appeal of your Betony display. Consider pairing Stachys officinalis ‘Pink Cotton Candy’ with plants that offer textural contrast, such as the fine, airy foliage of ornamental grasses like Calamagrostis or the broad leaves of Hosta if planted in a partially shaded area. For sunny borders, complementing the pink flowers with silvery foliage, such as Artemisia, or contrasting blues and purples from plants like Salvia nemorosa cultivars helps highlight the unique flower color of the Betony.

Propagation Tips

While Stachys officinalis ‘Pink Cotton Candy’ spreads naturally via creeping stolons, garden propagation is most easily achieved through division. This is best done in early spring before new growth begins or in the fall after the heat of summer has passed. Carefully dig up mature clumps, aiming to keep the root ball intact, and separate it into smaller sections, ensuring each division has adequate roots and some basal foliage attached. Replant these divisions immediately into prepared soil at the same depth they were previously growing.