This tight growing recurrent herb will chop-chop become a favorite in the herbaceous plant garden .
Betony , Stachys officinalis , is a average height , slenderly ellipse stemmed , toothed foliage repeated herb that makes a practiced space filler between grandiloquent plant and border plants in the herbaceous plant or flower garden .
It add up grain and colour to the garden and the pretty pink or purple flowers that bloom in mid - summer will add a bluff spot of color to the herb garden after the early bloom peak and herbs are finished blooming for the time of year .
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Growing Betony
Betony is easy grow from seed , cuttings , or root divisions . Betony prefers ordinary dirt that is well drain in full to partial sun . If the garden is in an area that has high temperature and humidness , give it more shade than sunshine .
Start the germ outside after the last frost date is passed . For a fast start , seed may also be bulge out indoors and transplanted in the garden after the danger of frost .
To set forth from cuttings , edit near the base of a leafage and transfer to piddle .
Plant carefully once the leaf has develop roots . Leaf halt may also be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in pot filth in a small container .
transferral outdoors , once the plant has developed source .
Maintaining the Plants
Every three years , carve up the industrial plant by digging it up and slew it into two or three man . This is easily done with a acute knife .
Cut straight down the middle of the plant base , dividing it in half . If it is large , turn off it into three or four pieces and replant as before . Lightly fertilize and water well when re - planting .
Harvesting
Betony is best harvested before the purple flowers are allowed to bloom . Pick the leave-taking in early to mid July and dry out them in a coolheaded , dry area .
After the leafage are wholly teetotal and crumbly , lay in them in an atmosphere - tight container , such as a plastic bags or drinking glass jar . Keep the dried leafage out of the luminousness to preserve the oils and uphold gall .
Uses for Betony
Historically , Betony has been used as a tea . The tea is also used as a rinse fluid for irritated and sore throats . The astringent nature of the afternoon tea also lends itself as a treatment for looseness of the bowels .
Betony should be used in moderateness , as excessive use could lead in tum irritation .
Other Names
Through the years , Betony has also been call in the heal - all herbaceous plant , Bishops wort , and ego - heal herb .
Superstitions
In the center long time , Betony was often acquire outside the door of home , as it was retrieve to drive away evil spirit and keep the home safe . It was also worn in amulets around the neck to protect the somebody .
