The various kinds of betony all have angular upright stems and soft, hairy leaves, usually aromatic. The labiate flowers are clustered along the upper parts of the stems, often small in themselves, but together making attractive splashes of colour, which is usually in the pink-purple range.

Betonica (Stachys) macrantha 'Superba' forms strong clumps that are drought tolerant once established. The strong pink flower spikes attract bees.