Hedge Woundwort (Stachys sylvatica) - Bold Crimson Spikes for Bees & Shady Edges (Peat-Free, Pesticide-Free; Super Plugs)

A stalwart of woodland edges, shady banks, and old hedgerows, Hedge Woundwort (Stachys sylvatica) is one of Britain’s most characterful native wildflowers - upright, aromatic, and unmistakably wild. Its deep reddish-purple flower spikes rise above nettle-like foliage through summer, drawing in bumblebees and hoverflies with their rich nectar supply.

Once valued in folk medicine for its supposed power to heal cuts and wounds (hence the name), it’s now prized for its wildlife value and resilience. Thriving in semi-shade and almost any soil, it’s a brilliant natural filler for less glamorous corners - those damp, slightly shady spots under hedges or trees where other plants give up.

Where it thrives
Light: Partial shade to full shade
Soil: Moist, fertile, or humus-rich; tolerates heavy clay
Setting: Woodland edge, hedgerow base, wildlife border, pond edge
Height: 40-80 cm
Flowering: June to September

Planting & care

• Plant in moist soil with dappled light or partial shade.

• Cut back old stems in late autumn to encourage fresh spring growth.

• Great companion for Red Campion, Dog Violet, and Wood Avens.

Wildlife value
A vital nectar source for long-tongued bumblebees and hoverflies throughout summer, especially in shaded habitats where few other flowers thrive. The foliage also offers shelter for beetles, caterpillars, and small amphibians at ground level.

Joel says…
“Hedge Woundwort’s one of those plants that looks like it’s been guarding the edge of a woodland for centuries - tough, bee-rich, and quietly holding the line. If you’ve got shade and you want life, this is your go-to.”