Hummelo Betony

Hummelo Betony (Stachys 'Hummelo')

Hummelo Betony (Stachys 'Hummelo') is an award-winning perennial celebrated for its bold, upright spikes of deep purple-pink flowers and dense clumps of rich green, textured foliage. Unlike its woolly-leaved cousin, Lamb�s Ear, this variety is grown for its showy blooms and architectural form, making it a standout in perennial borders, pollinator gardens, and naturalized plantings.

Distinctive Features

'Hummelo' features basal rosettes of lance-shaped, glossy green leaves that remain attractive throughout the season. In early to mid-summer, sturdy stems rise above the foliage, bearing dense spikes of tubular, magenta-purple flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. A top performer in trials, this variety was named the 2019 Perennial Plant of the Year for its outstanding hardiness, adaptability, and extended bloom period. It grows 18 to 24 inches tall and spreads 18 to 24 inches, forming a robust, clump-forming habit.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade.
• Soil: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil; tolerates sandy and clay soils.
• Water: Moderate watering; prefers evenly moist conditions but tolerates short dry periods.
• Humidity: Adaptable to a wide range of climates.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-8, making it highly versatile.

Ideal Uses

• Pollinator Gardens: Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
• Perennial Borders: Provides strong vertical interest with showy blooms.
• Cottage Gardens: A beautiful addition to informal plantings.
• Mass Plantings: Creates a striking display when planted in groups.
• Edging and Pathways: Adds structure and color to garden borders.

Low Maintenance Care

Hummelo Betony is a resilient, easy-care perennial that thrives with minimal upkeep.

• Watering: Keep soil evenly moist but well-drained; tolerates some drought.
• Pruning: Deadhead spent flowers to extend blooming; cut back foliage in late fall or early spring.
• Fertilizing: Light feeding in spring promotes strong growth and flowering.
• Pest and Disease Resistance: Deer and rabbit resistant; generally pest-free.
• Winter Care: Stays semi-evergreen in mild climates; cut back dead stems in early spring.

Why Choose Hummelo Betony?

Hummelo Betony is a must-have for gardeners seeking a bold, floriferous perennial that adds structure, color, and pollinator appeal.

• Vibrant Purple-Pink Flowers: Provides a long-lasting floral display.
• Neat, Clump-Forming Habit: Creates a tidy, structured appearance.
• Attracts Pollinators: A magnet for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
• Cold Hardy and Heat Tolerant: Performs well in a wide range of climates.
• Low Maintenance: Thrives with minimal care.

For a robust, long-blooming perennial that adds vertical interest and pollinator support, Hummelo Betony (Stachys 'Hummelo') is an outstanding choice for mixed borders, pollinator gardens, and mass plantings.