Japanese name: ラムズイヤー Scientific name:Stachys byzantina
[Overview]
A perennial 40–80 cm tall.
The whole plant is covered with silvery white to grayish white hairs and feels like felt.
The stem branches in the upper part and is square in cross section.
There are basal leaves and leaves arranged oppositely on the stem; both are simple.
The basal leaves are spatulate.
The stem leaves are elliptic to ovate-orbicular, about 10 cm long and 2.5 cm wide.
The leaf surface has fine wrinkles.
Verticillasters in the upper part of the stem form a spike-like inflorescence 10–22 cm long overall.
The flowers are lipped, about 1.2–1.5 cm long, and purple to pink.
The fruit is a schizocarp.
[Cultivation]
Propagate from seed or by division.
It prefers sunny, well-ventilated, well-drained soil.
It dislikes heat, humidity and acidic soil.
During long rainy spells, it is best to move potted plants to a place out of the rain.
To avoid excess moisture, keep potted plants on the dry side and water thoroughly after the soil has dried; for plants in the ground, rainfall is sufficient.
Fertilize sparingly; if base fertilizer is applied, none is particularly needed, but for potted plants slow-release fertilizer may be placed on the soil in spring.
There are no particular pests or diseases.
