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.

Stachys balcanica is an unusual species of betony for a sunny border, with rough, dark green leaves and white flowers in congested heads. Also known as Stachys haussknechtii and Betonica haussknechtii - you never know when that may come in useful for a pub quiz.