Stachys 'Hummelo'

Stachys 'Hummelo': A Symphony of Spiked Lavender Blooms

Elevating the garden to a crescendo of color, Stachys 'Hummelo' distinguishes itself with upright spikes of vibrant lavender blooms that rise elegantly above rosettes of glossy, green foliage. This perennial standout, diverging from the commonly recognized soft, fuzzy leaves of its Lamb's Ear relatives, is celebrated for its architectural flower spikes, robust growth, and the dynamic visual interest it introduces to any garden setting. Ideal for injecting vertical drama into perennial borders, enhancing cottage garden charm, or serving as a pollinator beacon in naturalistic plantings, 'Hummelo' orchestrates a harmonious blend of functionality and ornamental beauty.

Product Characteristics:

• Height: Reaching an impressive height of 40-50 cm, 'Hummelo' crafts an eye-catching display, with its flower spikes standing proudly above the foliage, drawing the eye and adding depth to garden designs.
• Spread: With a moderate spread of 30-40 cm, it forms tidy clumps that are as orderly as they are lush, creating a vibrant underpinning for its towering blooms.
• Flower Colour: The blooms are a radiant lavender, infusing the garden with a burst of color that contrasts beautifully against the darker greens of its foliage and the broader garden palette.
• Flowering Period: Blooming in mid to late summer, Stachys 'Hummelo' ensures the garden narrative is punctuated with a peak of visual interest, maintaining vibrancy as the season progresses.
• Sunlight Requirements: Flourishing in full sun to partial shade, this Stachys variety reveals its most prolific blooming and healthiest growth under the gentle embrace of the sun, adaptable to a spectrum of light conditions.
• Soil Requirements: 'Hummelo' shows a preference for well-drained soils, showcasing resilience in a variety of garden conditions and demonstrating notable drought tolerance once established.

Uses and Benefits: Stachys 'Hummelo' not only captivates with its aesthetic appeal but also plays a vital role in supporting biodiversity, attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators to the garden. Its upright growth habit and striking blooms make it an excellent candidate for cut flower arrangements, bringing a piece of the garden's splendor indoors.

Companion Plants: This plant pairs exquisitely with the golden hues of Rudbeckia 'Goldsturm', the rich blues of Salvia 'Caradonna', and the feathery textures of Achillea millefolium, creating a diverse tapestry that highlights 'Hummelo's' vibrant lavender spikes.

Care Instructions: Stachys 'Hummelo' thrives with minimal care, requiring only occasional watering during prolonged dry spells and benefiting from a light application of compost or general-purpose fertilizer in early spring to support its flowering prowess. Deadheading spent blooms can encourage a second flush of flowers, extending its display into the fall.

History: Rising in popularity due to its ornamental and ecological benefits, 'Hummelo' has carved its niche in the hearts of gardeners and landscapers alike, celebrated for its structural beauty, ease of care, and the dynamic energy it brings to garden compositions.

Final Thoughts: With Stachys 'Hummelo', gardeners can anticipate a summer spectacle of spiked lavender blooms that not only enhance the visual appeal of their outdoor spaces but also contribute to the health and vitality of the garden ecosystem. Whether nestled among perennial favorites, accentuating garden borders, or serving as a vibrant focal point, 'Hummelo' stands as a testament to the beauty and resilience of nature, inviting all to bask in its radiant bloom and lush foliage.