Stachys officinalis 'Alba'
Best low maintenance perennial for adding elegant white blooms to garden borders.
Stachys officinalis 'Alba', commonly known as Hedgenettle, is a versatile perennial that forms basal rosettes of ovate to oblong, scalloped, wrinkled mid- to dark green leaves. Upright stems emerge from the foliage, bearing dense spikes of pure white flowers in mid to late summer. This plant is ideal for borders, cottage gardens, and creating pollinator-friendly landscapes. It thrives in full sun to part shade conditions and typically reaches a height of 1.5–2 feet with a spread of 1–2 feet. It is well-suited for USDA hardiness zones 4–8.
$12.85
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
864
/ 3269
#864 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-54%
Below average
Light
Full sun to part shade
/ Full sun to part shade
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking subtle beauty and structural interest
- Busy homeowners and novice gardeners desiring low-effort plants
- Eco-conscious gardeners and wildlife enthusiasts
Who should skip it
- Gardeners with limited space or those preferring contained growth
- Enthusiasts prioritizing extended, season-long floral displays
- Gardeners seeking bold, continuous color or widely available varieties
Performance breakdown
Pollinator Appeal
Dense white spikes act as a reliable magnet for local bees.
Hardiness Range
Robust performance across a wide variety of temperate climate zones.
Visual Impact
Clean white blooms provide a crisp contrast against textured green foliage.
Landscape Versatility
Compact growth habit fits perfectly into borders and cottage garden designs.
Maintenance Ease
Low-fuss perennial that thrives with minimal intervention once established.
Bloom Duration
Consistent flowering throughout the peak of the summer season.
Key Specs
Light
Full sun to part shade
Height
1.5–2'
Spread
1–2'
Zone
4–8
Features
- Upright flower spikes in pure white
- Long-blooming throughout mid to late summer
- Attracts pollinators to the garden
- Versatile for borders and cottage gardens
- Wrinkled, scalloped mid- to dark green leaves
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality and robust health of the Stachys officinalis 'Alba' plants received from Fieldstone Gardens. Many highlight the plants' vigorous growth and ease of establishment, thriving quickly in various garden settings. Gardeners appreciate how effortlessly this perennial adds elegant white blooms and attractive foliage, requiring minimal fuss once planted. The overall consensus points to a highly satisfying experience, reflecting excellent plant stock that delivers reliable beauty and performance without complex care.
Know before you buy
While it thrives in full sun, it is quite adaptable and will perform well in part shade. Keep in mind that in shadier spots, the plant may produce fewer flowers compared to those grown in brighter conditions.
Since this plant has a spread of 1 to 2 feet, you should space them at least 18 to 24 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation and to accommodate their mature size.
Yes, it is a reliable perennial that requires minimal care once established. Simply cut back the spent flower spikes after they finish blooming in late summer to keep the plant tidy and encourage a clean look for the remainder of the season.
Stachys officinalis 'Alba' is hardy in USDA zones 4 through 8. If you live within this range, the plant is well-adapted to survive typical winter temperatures.
Yes, the dense, white flower spikes are highly attractive to bees and other beneficial pollinators. It is an excellent choice if you are looking to support local biodiversity in your landscape.
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$13