Stachys aethiopica L.
African stachys, wild sage · katbossie, katpisbossie (Afr.)
Vigorous, aromatic groundcover with small white, pink or mauve flowers in spring; for sun or shade.
What’s in the name: Stachys: Greek for "ear of grain", for the spiky flower heads; aethiopica: "African" (an old use of the word).
“Am I not partly leaves and vegetable mould myself?”
— Henry David Thoreau, Walden – Henry David Thoreau, Walden (1854), Project Gutenberg
Available from AVNPlants: see the availability list.
Family
Lamiaceae
Conservation status
Least Concern, SANBI Red List of South African Plants
Natural distribution & habitat
Western Cape eastward and north through the Free State, Mpumalanga and Limpopo into tropical Africa, in scrub, grassland, fynbos and coastal forest from near sea level to about 2 400 m.
Size & form
Sprawling, strongly scented perennial up to about 50 cm high and spreading widely; fast and long-lived.
Flowering
Spring, with some flowers through summer.
Uses in landscaping
- Groundcover for moist, open beds
- Cascading in deep, well-watered containers
Care notes
Fairly waterwise but not fully drought tolerant; compost or mulch improves flowering. Cut back after summer growth and replant occasionally. Easy from seed (late spring–early summer) or cuttings.
Wildlife value
Visited by many insects, including honeybees.
Find out more
Facts checked against: SANBI PlantZAfrica species page 'Stachys aethiopica'; SANBI Red List of South African Plants, Stachys aethiopica L. (assessment 2005/06/30).