Betonica macrantha Superba, formerly sold as Stachys macrantha Superba, is a bushy perennial forming textured basal mounds about 45 to 70 centimetres high and wide. Long petioles carry wrinkled, rough-hairy green leaves that are broad ovate to cordate with evenly crenate margins. Strong upright stems bear sparse smaller opposite leaves and dense verticillasters of hooded, two-lipped purple flowers. Individual flowers reach about 3.5 centimetres and appear from May through September, feeding pollinators above the foliage.
Grow Superba in full sun or partial shade in moderately fertile soil that remains moist but drains freely. Space plants about 40 centimetres apart for overlapping ground cover. Water regularly while establishing, then allow some drying between soakings. Avoid persistently wet soil. Divide congested clumps in spring, remove flowered stems, and use only modest compost in ordinary garden soil. Slugs and snails may damage young foliage, while powdery mildew can occur.
