Description

A member of the deadnettle family, a sturdy perennial, betonys bright magenta pink flowers make striking splashes of colour from early summer to well into autumn. Betony is commonly found in old country churchyards, where it was planted in the past for its medicinal value and in the belief that it had powers that would ward off ghosts, goblins and other unwelcome spirits. First referred to in a work by the Roman physician Antonius Musa, he claimed it was effective against sorcery. It was also known as one of the great all-heals of medieval herbalists.