Stachys officinalis, commonly known as Purple Betony, Wood Betony or Bishop's Wort is a perennial grassland herb.
Its foliage is stalked, on upright stems, narrowly oval, with a heart-shaped base and a rather wrinkled texture along with toothed margins.
The pretty pink to mauve flowers cover the tops of tall and erect spikes making a fine display when planted en-masse. White and pink varieties are also available.
It has been grown for centuries in apothecary gardens for its medicinal uses which include calming of night fears and nightmares, as well as treating arthritis and gout.
Though perhaps its best use was as an antidote to drunkeness - so a sobering up herb.
This beautiful herb has many medicinal uses, but we think it looks great in a cottage garden setting too, which tends to be the main reason for cultivation today.