The Story
Plant Bio
Stachys minima is a low-growing perennial with attractive foliage and spikes of purple flowers, providing a ground cover option.
This species is particularly valued for its compact size and ability to thrive in shaded areas, making it suitable for wild gardens or as an underplanting in more formal gardens.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
6 inches
Width
12 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Low, drought-tolerant
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Caucasus
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Bloom period
Late spring – Early summer
In flower about 2 months of the year
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Select well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH.
- Tuck seeds just beneath the soil surface and water gently.
- Place in a location with full sun to partial shade for optimal growth.
- Maintain consistent moisture without overwatering; mulch to retain soil moisture.
- Thin seedlings as they establish to prevent overcrowding, after 6 weeks.
- Transplant young plants to their permanent location after the last frost.
Pro Tip
Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues and promote healthy growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly during dry periods 🌱
- Prune lightly after flowering to encourage bushier growth
- Fertilize with a balanced, organic fertilizer in spring
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Do not plant in heavy, poorly-draining clay soil
- Refrain from excessive fertilization which can weaken the plant
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Divide |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Dwarf Betony questions
What zones can Dwarf Betony grow in?
Dwarf Betony is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Dwarf Betony deer resistant?
Yes — Dwarf Betony is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Dwarf Betony bloom?
Dwarf Betony typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Dwarf Betony need full sun?
Dwarf Betony does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Dwarf Betony drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Dwarf Betony handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Stachys to compare

Lamb's Ear
Stachys lanata

Silver Carpet Lamb's Ear
Stachys lanata 'Silver Carpet'

Fuzzy Wuzzy Lamb's Ear
Stachys byzantina 'Fuzzy Wuzzy'

Hummelo Betony
Stachys officinalis 'Hummelo'

Wood Betony
Stachys officinalis

Big Betony 'Superba'
Stachys macrantha 'Superba'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Dwarf Betony with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
