Stachys 'Hummelo'

Stachys monieri 'Hummelo': Upright Bloom, Unshakable Style

Clump-forming and cheerful, Stachys 'Hummelo' is a standout perennial for structure, colour, and pollinator appeal. Unlike its fuzzy-leaved cousin, this betony features crisp green foliage that forms a dense, mounded base, topped in early to midsummer by upright spikes of vivid magenta-purple flowers. Its tidy habit and strong vertical lines add rhythm to mixed plantings, while its low maintenance needs and long bloom time have made it a favourite of designers and gardeners alike.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 40–50 cm
• Spread: 45–60 cm
• Flower Colour: Magenta-purple
• Flowering Period: Early to midsummer
• Foliage: Glossy, deep green, forming a dense clump
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to part sun
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained, average to moist soils

Uses and Benefits: 'Hummelo' is ideal for massing, edging, and pollinator gardens, offering architectural form and midseason colour that lasts. Its tidy foliage stays attractive long after bloom, and it performs well in a variety of soil types. Bee-friendly, drought tolerant once established, and resistant to pests and deer, it’s a true workhorse for sunny borders and contemporary plantings.

Companion Plants: Pair Stachys 'Hummelo' with the soft periwinkle blooms of Amsonia 'Blue Ice', the fine, tidy mounds of Sesleria 'Autumn Moor Grass', and the fragrant raspberry-pink flowers of Dianthus 'Cranberry Cocktail' for a fresh, textural composition that offers seasonal contrast and lasting garden presence.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun to part sun with well-drained soil. Water to establish, then only during prolonged dry spells. Cut back spent flower spikes to maintain a clean appearance or encourage a light rebloom. Divide clumps every few years in early spring or fall to maintain vigour.

History: Introduced by German plantsman Ernst Pagels and brought to wider attention by designer Piet Oudolf, 'Hummelo' has earned its place in naturalistic and modern perennial plantings worldwide. It was named the 2019 Perennial Plant of the Year™.

Final Thoughts: Sturdy, striking, and easy to grow, Stachys 'Hummelo' brings form and flower together in perfect balance—an essential midseason player with lasting appeal.