Woundwort crowns - Stachys sylvatica

Woundwort crowns – Stachys sylvatica

$10.00

Healing Herb | Woodland Perennial | Traditional Wound Care

Price is for 3 crowns, available May – September or until sold out. Plant as soon as you receive it, it will grow when the weather starts to warm up.

Bring a piece of traditional herbal wisdom into your garden with Woundwort crowns. This hardy perennial forms attractive clumps of hairy, nettle-like leaves on square stems, topped with tall spikes of reddish-purple to pink flowers with white markings from summer into autumn.

Though the foliage has a pungent smell when crushed (a characteristic of the plant), it produces beautiful flower spikes that add height and interest to shaded garden areas. Ideal for woodland gardens, hedgerows, shady borders, and wildlife-friendly spaces.

30 in stock

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Description

Traditional & Medicinal Uses

Hedge Woundwort has a long and respected history as a healing herb, often called one of the best “all-heals” for wounds:

  • Wound Healing & First Aid: Famous for its ability to staunch bleeding (styptic), reduce inflammation, and promote tissue repair. Traditionally used as a poultice or ointment for cuts, bruises, sprains, ulcers, and infected wounds.
  • Pain & Swelling Relief: Helps ease pain, swelling, and inflammation from injuries, aching joints, and muscle strains.
  • Antispasmodic & Sedative: Used internally for cramps, nervous tension, and mild calming effects.
  • Other Traditional Uses: Diuretic properties, support for gout, and general tonic effects. Valued by herbalists like John Gerard for battlefield and everyday injuries.

Note: Primarily used externally. Always consult a qualified herbalist or healthcare provider before using medicinally. Not for internal use without professional guidance.

Why Grow Woundwort?

  • Excellent for shady or woodland-style gardens
  • Attracts bees and pollinators with its nectar-rich flowers
  • Tough, hardy perennial that spreads gently via rhizomes
  • Low-maintenance and deer-resistant
  • Beautiful in naturalised plantings and hedgerows
  • Great companion for other shade-loving herbs and perennials

Ideal for New Zealand: Thrives in the moist, temperate conditions of NZ. Prefers damp, fertile soils similar to its native woodland habitats.

How to Grow Woundwort Crowns

Planting:

  • Plant crowns in spring or autumn.
  • Set crowns just below soil level, spacing 30–45 cm (12–18 inches) apart.
  • Water well after planting.

Soil & Care:

  • Prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soil (tolerates clay and loam).
  • Full sun to partial shade (ideal for shady spots).
  • Keep soil consistently moist, especially in the first season — mulch to retain moisture.
  • Low maintenance; cut back spent flower spikes to tidy and encourage bushier growth.

Growth & Harvest:

  • Height: 60–100 cm (24–40 inches)
  • Spread: 30–60 cm (12–24 inches)
  • Blooms: Summer to early autumn (reddish-purple whorled flowers)
  • Harvest leaves and stems as needed for fresh poultices during the growing season. Divide crowns every few years in spring or autumn to control spread and rejuvenate plants.
  • Spreads readily

Woundwort is a forgiving, vigorous grower — perfect for both beginner and experienced gardeners seeking functional beauty.

Ready to add traditional healing power and woodland charm to your garden?

Limited seasonal stock! May-Sept

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