Alpine Betony or Stachys officinalis ‘Hummelo’
This is not the “wooly” Lamb’s Ear Stachys you might be thinking of. In fact the form, foliage, and flower are quite different from this dated variety. Stachys ‘Hummelo’ is a cultivar grown primarily for its spectacular rose-lavender flowers that resemble a salvia with its vertical spear. The flowers sit on top of a leafless spike held above the low growing foliage. The spike reaches about 18-24” high and will bloom from June through July.
The foliage of Stachys ‘Hummelo’ stays relatively low to the ground, about 10-12”. The leaves are dark green and glossy. Each narrow, oval leaf is about 4-6” long and has a puckered texture. The foliage emerges in spring and stays fresh and clean throughout the season. Clumps will gradually expand by stolons, underground roots that creep out from the plant and re-root.
Stachys ‘Hummelo’ prefers full sun but will tolerate partial shade. It prefers well drained soil and does not tolerate drought conditions well. It’s deer, rabbit and pest resistant. This perennial can be easily incorporated into every garden. The lavender blooms blend nicely with other flower colors and the erect flower stems add an often times much needed vertical element. The Chicago Botanic Garden highly rated this plant based on its strong flower production, vigor, habit quality, and winter hardiness. A must-have in every garden!
To include this plant in your next landscape design, give us a call at 815.459.7926.
