The Ziest is a wild plant that is widespread. The fantastic thing about it are the flowers. They are the reason why it becomes an insect magnet always and everywhere. That's why it is often cultivated in natural gardens. Below is an overview of the best-known species in this country.
Which Ziest species are common in Germany?
The best-known Ziest species in Germany are Mountain Ziest (Stachys recta), Real Ziest (Stachys officinalis), Large-flowered Ziest (Stachys macrantha), Marsh Ziest (Stachys palustris), Waldziest (Stachys sylvatica) and Wollziest (Stachys byzantina). They attract insects and can be cultivated in various garden areas.
Bergziest – Stachys recta
The Bergziest is a wild plant that is also of great use in cultivated gardens. It is a particularly good choice for natural gardens where a plant can grow wild.
- Bergziest grows to a height of 40 to 70 cm
- attracts wild bees
- has a long flowering period from June to October
- the flowers are pale yellow
True Ziest – Stachys officinalis
This type of ziest, also called medicinal ziest, is widespread in our country. Especially in southern Germany, it covers large areas in the wild. If you want to plant it in your garden, you have to put the fertilizer package (€27.00 on Amazon) aside. It likes and thrives exclusively on poor soils. It likes to sow itself and may need to.be pushed into its limits with scissors. Among the species offered there are some with white, pink or purple flowers.
Large-flowered Ziest – Stachys macrantha
The Large-flowered Ziest grows as a compact perennial. In a partially shaded to sunny location, it can become very lush and large over the years. The dark green leaves are reminiscent of nettle. The small flowers are pinkish-purple. As with all other species of zest, its flowers have a strong attraction for insects.
Swamp Ziest – Stachys palustris
Its name reveals its primary distribution area. Marsh zest likes moist, nutrient-rich places. He finds these close to water banks, next to ditches or in any field that has a lot of moisture. It can grow 30 to 100 cm high. It blooms bright pink from June to September. In a cultivated garden he will feel comfortable at the edge of the pond.
Tip
The young, tender shoots in spring can enrich our menu. Both raw in a salad or smoothie and steamed.
Waldziest – Stachys sylvatica
In its original location, the Waldziest spreads a delicate lilac scent. We can also bring this into our home garden. It finds the ideal location under light trees. There it is allowed to grow wild over time. It has large, heart-shaped leaves that are serrated at the edges. The Waldziest can not only delight us with its purple flowers, but can also give us a rich harvest. In the soil it forms tubers that can be prepared like potatoes.
Wollziest – Stachys byzantina
Also known as woolly ziest, rabbit ears and donkey ears. This valuable wild perennial is undemanding and grows in almost any permeable soil. It can look rustic, but with the right accompaniment it can also look elegant. The pink-violet flowers are not spectacular, but the leaves are tomentose and gray in color. Some species of bees use its woolly plant material to build their nests.